The Acampada de Lisboa, a housing protest movement, has claimed a significant victory after the Tribunal Administrativo de Lisboa ruled that the 00:30 limit on protests is not absolute. This decision allows the movement to continue its demonstrations, including overnight, until November 24, 2026, when the Portuguese government's budget for 2027 is set to be voted on. The ruling was made in response to a petition filed by Renata Cambra, a protester, against the Ministry of Internal Administration and the Municipality of Lisbon.
According to the court's decision, protests can take place between 00:30 and 06:30, provided they are coordinated with the Christmas market scheduled for the Rossio square. The Acampada de Lisboa has welcomed the ruling, stating that it represents a win for the right to protest and for the movement itself. The group has been protesting for housing rights and has been camped out in the Rossio square for some time.
The Acampada de Lisboa has emphasized that the tents set up in the Rossio square are a symbol of the protest and that the time of day does not justify dispersing the demonstrators. The movement has experienced several instances of police intervention, resulting in injuries and arrests. In a statement, the Acampada de Lisboa expressed gratitude to Renata Cambra for initiating the court case and highlighted that the victory is a collective one.
The court case did not address the legitimacy of the collective occupation of the Rossio square or the recognition of a general right to set up tents in public spaces for an indefinite number of participants. However, the Acampada de Lisboa has interpreted the ruling as a validation of its methods and goals. The movement has stated that it will continue to protest, despite the challenges it has faced.
The Acampada de Lisboa plans to return to the Rossio square at 19:30, as part of its ongoing protest. The movement has vowed to continue fighting for housing rights, emphasizing that the crisis persists and that their demands remain unmet. The group has expressed determination to push forward, undeterred by obstacles.
The decision has been hailed as a significant victory for the right to protest in Portugal. The Acampada de Lisboa has become a prominent voice in the country's housing debate, and its protests have drawn attention to the issue. The movement's use of tents as a symbol of protest has been particularly notable.
The Acampada de Lisboa's protest movement has been covered by several media outlets, including RecordTV Cabo Verde. The movement's efforts have sparked a national conversation about housing rights and the need for government action to address the crisis.
Key points
- The Acampada de Lisboa has won a court case securing the right to protest beyond 00:30.
- The protest movement will continue until November 24, 2026, when the Portuguese government's budget for 2027 is set to be voted on.
- The Acampada de Lisboa has vowed to continue fighting for housing rights despite challenges and obstacles.
