Police clash with housing crisis protesters in Portugal

Protesters demanding urgent action on Portugal’s worsening housing crisis clashed with police after blocking a major roadway in the capital, escalating tensions as demonstrators voiced frustration over soaring rents and unaffordable living conditions. Authorities moved to disperse the crowd, while organizers accused the government of failing to address systemic barriers preventing young people and low-income families from securing stable housing. The confrontation underscores growing public anger over housing policies amid reports of record-high property prices and a shortage of social housing. With no immediate resolution in sight, the protest highlights deep divisions between activists and officials over how to tackle one of Europe’s most pressing social challenges.