Cabo Verde President Receives Housing Rights Activists

The President of Cabo Verde, António Seguro, recently met with 25 representatives from various housing rights movements, including the Casa Para Viver, Acampada do Porto, and Acampada de Lisboa. The meeting, which took place at the Palácio de Belém, aimed to discuss the ongoing housing crisis in the country. According to André Escoval, representative of Casa Para Viver, the meeting was a positive step, as it showed the President's commitment to addressing the issue.

The housing crisis in Cabo Verde has been ongoing, with many citizens struggling to access affordable housing. The movements represented at the meeting have been advocating for changes to the current law on rental properties and an end to the acquisition of housing by real estate funds. They also demand truly accessible rent ceilings. The activists have organized protests and demonstrations across the country, including a national manifestation scheduled for Saturday.

During the meeting, the activists shared their personal stories of struggle and violence, which reportedly left the President "comovido" (moved). Cristiana Leal, representative of Acampada do Porto, stated that the meeting strengthened the movements' resolve to continue fighting for their rights. The President assured them that he was open to dialogue and willing to guarantee the Constitution.

The activists also expressed concerns about police brutality during the protests, with many reporting violent dispersal by the PSP and subsequent detentions and injuries. Maria João Calisto, also from Acampada do Porto, mentioned that the President was awaiting reports on the police actions and expected the parties to come to an understanding.

The meeting was seen as an opportunity for the activists to convey their demands to the President and request his mediation in talks with the government. Levi Galaio, from Acampada de Lisboa, explained that they presented their proposals for resolving the housing crisis and asked the President to facilitate a meeting with the Prime Minister.

According to the activists, the President was receptive to their concerns and assured them that he would act within his capabilities to address the issue. They also appreciated his attention to their plight and his commitment to finding a solution. The meeting was attended by experts, including architects and social workers.

The housing crisis protests began in Porto on October 10 and have since spread to Lisbon and other cities. The activists are demanding concrete actions from the government to address the crisis, and the meeting with the President is seen as a positive step towards finding a solution. The outcome of the meeting and the government's response remain to be seen.

Key points

• The President of Cabo Verde met with housing rights activists to discuss the ongoing crisis.
• Activists demand changes to the law on rental properties and an end to real estate funds' acquisition of housing.
• The meeting was seen as a positive step towards finding a solution to the housing crisis.