Tents return to Lisbon square after Portugal protest victory

Portugal's housing protesters celebrate a court victory in Lisbon, allowing activist Renata Cambra to set up a tent in Rossio Square.

Portugal's housing protesters celebrated in Lisbon on 2 November after a court ruled that activist Renata Cambra could set up a tent in Rossio Square, where police had cleared demonstrators over the weekend.

The decision overturned the automatic 00:30 curfew used by officers to demand that protesters leave, recognising the tent as a symbolic part of the demonstration rather than an illegal occupation of public space.

The Acampada movement is campaigning against Portugal's housing crisis and the laws governing relations between landlords and tenants.

Cambra says house prices have risen sharply, making decent accommodation increasingly difficult to find. She also points to the impact of tourism, short-term rentals and luxury properties on housing costs.

The ruling gives demonstrators a legal basis to continue their protest in Rossio Square.