The Acampada do Porto, a housing protest camp, has approved a meeting with Portuguese President António José Seguro to discuss their demands, including the resignation of Interior Minister Luís Neves. The decision was made during a popular assembly held on November 5, 2026, in Porto's Praça D. João I. The protesters are also calling for Seguro to take a clear stance against police violence and to uphold the 1976 Constitution regarding pre-constitutional legislation used by the PSP to repress housing protests after 12:30 AM.
The Acampada do Porto, which has been ongoing since October 10, 2026, is demanding that President Seguro position himself "on the side of the protesters" and condemn police violence. They are also calling for the minister's resignation, citing his handling of the housing crisis and police response to protests. The protesters plan to present Seguro with nine proposals related to housing policies, which were voted on during the assembly.
The protesters' demands include the reversal of the new rental law, an end to evictions and demolitions without alternative housing, and a cap on rents based on real income. They are also calling for an increase in public housing stock, the recovery of vacant properties for public use, and the imposition of mechanisms to pressure landlords to rent out empty homes.
The assembly also approved a calendar of protests for November, including demonstrations in front of the Porto City Council on November 7, 2026, and participation in a national housing protest on November 14, 2026. The protesters also expressed solidarity with strikes planned for November 20 and 24, 2026.
The Acampada do Porto has been a focal point for protests against the housing crisis in Portugal, which has led to widespread demonstrations and clashes with police. The PSP's response to the protests has been criticized by many, and the Ministry of Public has asked the Constitutional Court to evaluate the constitutionality of a 1974 law that limits protests to before 12:30 AM.
The protesters are also preparing for potential challenges ahead, including unfavorable weather forecasts. They have requested donations of tarps and steel cables to reinforce their camp, as well as hot food to sustain them during the protests.
The Acampada do Porto's demands reflect a broader discontent with the Portuguese government's handling of the housing crisis. The protesters are seeking concrete solutions to address the crisis, including affordable housing and rental options. The outcome of their meeting with President Seguro remains to be seen.
Key points
- The Acampada do Porto has approved a meeting with Portuguese President António José Seguro to discuss their demands.
- The protesters are demanding the resignation of Interior Minister Luís Neves and a clear stance against police violence.
- The Acampada do Porto is seeking concrete solutions to address the housing crisis in Portugal, including affordable housing and rental options.
