Housing and living-cost protests reach Lisbon and Milan as France sees mass arrests
Protests over living costs and housing drew crowds to Lisbon and Milan on Saturday, with violence in Milan leaving at least two police officers injured and about 50 demonstrators detained, LaPresse reported. In Lisbon, a CGTP-led march drew many tens of thousands, according to the union, while housing activists set up a tent camp in Rossio Square. Portuguese housing prices rose 124% between 2015 and 2024, according to official data.
Bottom line — Portugal’s housing prices rose 124% in nine years as protests put pressure on the government.
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CGTP, Portugal’s largest trade union, organised the Lisbon demonstration and said “many tens of thousands” took part.
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The Guardian reported that the Rossio Square camp followed an earlier encampment in Porto, where police had cleared tents in a pre-dawn operation, according to Times Now.
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Times Now reported that Portugal’s inflation reached 3.6% in September, driven by food and fuel prices.
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In Milan, police used water cannon and tear gas to disperse masked protesters who threw stones and paving blocks and set fire to barricades, the Guardian reported.
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Italy’s prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, condemned the violence, while Milan mayor Giuseppe Sala said protesters’ grievances were understandable but attacks and damage were not justifiable.
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French authorities reported about 550,000 protesters nationwide; organisers put the figure at about 800,000, according to Yahoo News UK and The National.
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French police said at least 1,800 people were arrested nationwide, according to Yahoo News UK and The National.