Acampada de Lisboa to Withdraw Tents from Rossio and Decentralize Protests

The Acampada de Lisboa movement has announced its decision to withdraw its tents from the Rossio square and decentralize its protests. According to Alessandra, a member of the movement, the decision aims to broaden the struggle for housing rights. The movement will focus on other areas, with a planned action near the Web Summit. This move comes after a series of protests against the housing crisis, which began in Porto on October 10 and spread to Lisbon.

The Acampada de Lisboa movement has approved a "caderno de luta" or a notebook of demands, outlining their key requests. These include the reversal of the new rental law, a halt to the acquisition of housing by real estate funds, and truly affordable rent ceilings. The movement's decision to decentralize its protests aims to maximize its impact and engage more people in the struggle for housing rights. Alessandra stated that the movement is trying to increase its fight for housing as much as possible.

On Tuesday, the movement will concentrate on the Alto de Pina neighborhood, where a popular assembly is scheduled. This will be followed by a protest near the Web Summit on Wednesday, which begins on November 11 at the Parque das Nações. The Acampada de Lisboa movement will also join a demonstration organized by the Plataforma Casa para Viver on November 14 and a CGTP-IN-led protest on November 21.

The protests against the housing crisis have resulted in tensions between protesters and authorities. The PSP's actions to disperse the camps and remove tents from Rossio and Praça D. João I in Porto led to dozens of arrests and injuries. The Ministry of Public Affairs has requested the Constitutional Court to assess the constitutionality of a 1974 law limiting demonstrations to 00:30.

The President of the Lisbon Municipal Chamber, Carlos Moedas, ordered the Acampada de Lisboa to leave the Rossio area on Friday. Moedas suggested alternative locations, including Largo S. Domingos, Praça Martim Moniz, or Restauradores. This decision followed a PSP report that deemed the Christmas market and the protest incompatible in the same location.

The Acampada de Lisboa movement is part of a broader wave of protests against the housing crisis in Portugal. The movement's demands focus on addressing the rising costs of living and housing. According to Alessandra, the right to manifestation is not limited to the Rossio area, and the movement aims to expand its protests to other areas.

The protests have sparked a national conversation about housing and living costs. The movement's efforts to decentralize its protests and engage more people in the struggle for housing rights may lead to further actions and demonstrations in the coming weeks. The Acampada de Lisboa movement's demands and actions will likely continue to draw attention to the housing crisis in Portugal.

Key points

• Acampada de Lisboa to relocate tents and expand protests across Lisbon
• Movement demands reversal of new rental law and affordable rent ceilings
• Protests to continue in various locations, including near Web Summit