Thousands of protesters have returned to two central squares in Portugal to demonstrate against an escalating housing crisis, hours after police cleared their camps in the capital, Lisbon, and the city of Porto. The police action resulted in 55 arrests.

Activists are demanding that the center-right government withdraw a bill that would make evictions easier and remove rent caps on new leases. This bill recently passed its first parliamentary reading, sparking widespread discontent.

The demonstrators in Lisbon attempted to re-establish their sit-in camp at Rossio Square on Tuesday, while those in Porto were returning to the northern city’s Dom Joao I Square. Organizers stated that over 1,000 people had gathered at each location. The camps had been in place since Saturday in Lisbon, with around 200 tents pitched, and for approximately ten days in Porto.

Debora Miranda, a 41-year-old communications consultant, joined the Rossio Square protest to voice the struggles of younger generations facing soaring costs. She emphasized the fundamental need for people to feel at home, stating that without this security, progress is impossible.

The protests echo similar housing demonstrations seen in neighboring Spain and coincide with broader unrest over rising living costs in countries like France, Belgium, and Italy. The camp occupations represent a significant public outcry against the worsening affordability situation.

Coordinated police operations in both cities began shortly before 6 a.m. after warnings that the camps were illegal. While demonstrators in Porto complied with orders and dismantled their tents, police cleared Lisbon’s Rossio Square. A spokesperson for the Lisbon camp described the eviction as "very aggressive," whereas a Public Security Police superintendent characterized the operation as "calm, proportionate and appropriate, with no police charge."

The 55 individuals detained were later released pending a court appearance scheduled for Wednesday in Lisbon. The detentions highlight the authorities' response to the ongoing demonstrations.

Portugal is currently experiencing one of Europe's most severe housing affordability crises. Purchase prices have more than doubled since 2017, and rents for new leases have nearly doubled. Jorge Paixao, a 19-year-old history student, described the situation as "a societal crisis," asserting that his generation requires "the ability to live with dignity, start families and rejuvenate Portugal."