Police removed tents from a housing protest in Porto’s Praça D. João I on Monday morning. The city council said the camp illegally occupied public space, while protesters said they would remain in the square peacefully.

The tents had been there since Saturday as part of a protest against rising living costs and housing prices.

Council Explains the Removal

In a statement on Monday, Porto City Council said the relevant authorities and security forces had assessed the camp. It said they were responsible for preventing illegal occupation and damage to public space.

The council said PSP, the municipal police and municipal company Porto Ambiente began a joint operation that morning to remove objects occupying the square.

It said it respected the right to demonstrate, but public spaces must be used within the law. Their use must also protect safety, movement and access for everyone.

Protesters Plan to Stay

João Silveira, a representative of the rent protest movement, told Lusa that police arrived at around 06:30. He said the peaceful removal of tents began at 08:00.

At around 10:30, the group began an assembly to decide how to continue the protest. Silveira said participants would stay peacefully and prepare a larger assembly for Wednesday, involving movements, political parties and anyone wishing to join.

About 10 PSP officers remained around 20 metres from the group. They had been monitoring the demonstration and the removal of the camp since the morning.

At around 11:00, some protesters’ belongings were still piled in one corner of the square. Participants were waiting for cars to take them home or to a safe place.

Camp Followed Saturday’s Demonstration

After the tents were removed, municipal services washed the square with water. Silveira said protesters had organised their own cleaning teams and had kept the square particularly clean during the camp.

He described the two days of camping as peaceful, with no moments of tension.

About 1,500 people demonstrated in Porto on Saturday against rising living costs and housing prices. The platform behind the gathering also organised protests in cities including Aveiro, Braga and Lisbon.

Source: CNN Portugal: “Polícia retira tendas de protesto contra rendas no Porto. Câmara fala em ocupação ilegal”, published 12 Oct 2026.