Portugal sale a la calle contra la especulación inmobiliaria: ¿cómo se ha llegado hasta aquí?

Portuguese citizens have taken to the streets in major cities to protest soaring housing costs and real estate speculation. Demonstrations organized by student groups and labor unions are currently taking place in Lisbon’s Rossio Square and Porto’s João I Square. Protesters demand effective government measures to ensure access to affordable and decent housing. They argue that current rents consume entire monthly salaries, creating a severe social crisis that extends beyond simple market fluctuations. The movement gained momentum following the case of Maricarmen, which heightened awareness among younger generations regarding eviction risks. While the protests originated as a response to a housing emergency, participants describe them as a broader social uprising against the rising cost of living. Prices for food, goods, and shelter have surged significantly over recent years. Historical data indicates that Portugal was once one of the cheapest countries in the European Union. However, conditions changed drastically during the 2001 property boom. According to the Portuguese National Institute of Statistics, 70,000 homes were constructed during that period. Following the 2008 financial crisis, the country sought private investment to recover. This led to the creation of the Golden Visa program around that time. The scheme allowed foreign capital to obtain Portuguese residency permits and free movement within the Schengen area by investing at least 500,000 euros. Real estate expert Pedro Petterman noted that many investors came from China, viewing the local market as highly profitable. In 2015, the government introduced the non-habitual resident regime. This measure reduced taxes for European retirees moving to Portugal. Many French pensioners took advantage of this rule, finding their savings stretched further in the Portuguese economy. Consequently, house prices rose sharply. Over the last six years, prices have increased by 80 percent. Additional factors include a tourism boom that pushed owners to convert residential flats into short-term rentals. Construction activity has also declined. In the second quarter of 2026, statistics showed prices rising another 16.5 percent. The disparity between wages and living costs is among the highest in the EU. The minimum wage for 2026 stands at 920 euros, while average salaries remain slightly higher. Fifty percent of the population earns no more than 1,050 euros. The government has implemented several responses, including direct aid for young buyers and renters. Recent legislation reduces taxes for landlords who rent properties for less than 2,300 euros per month. Critics reject these measures. The platform Casa para Viver argues that labeling 2,300 euros as moderate rent normalizes absurdity. They claim the policy rewards developers and landlords rather than helping tenants. The Secretary General of the General Confederation of Portuguese Workers participated in demonstrations in Lisbon. The union supports the street mobilization against speculative practices. Political tensions are also evident in neighboring Spain, where similar housing crises influence the political landscape. There, protests linked to evictions and teacher strikes have become central to the pre-election campaign. The left has regained prominence on the streets, challenging a conservative bloc that anticipates imminent power. In Portugal, however, the focus remains on reversing the trend of unaffordable housing through immediate legislative action.