Thousands protest Lisbon rental bill

Thousands of demonstrators returned to Lisbon's Ross, Square on Saturday, demanding the government abandon a rental bill they claim would worsen the housing crisis.

The legislation, which passed its first parliamentary reading, makes evictions easier and removes rent caps on new leases. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro has ruled out scrapping the bill but remains open to amendments.

Organisers reported several thousand participants, though police did not provide a crowd estimate. The protests have intensified in recent weeks, with demonstrators facing criticism for police actions including baton charges and arrests.

Rita Silva, a spokesperson for the housing movement Casa para Viver, stated that protesters are showing 'enormous perseverance, strength and determination' and warned that demonstrations will continue unless the government shows willingness to listen.

Interior Minister Luis Neves acknowledged the legitimacy of the protests but called for them to be conducted 'with order, civility' and 'in compliance with the law.'

The unrest echoes similar protests across Europe, including Spain, France, and Germany, over soaring housing costs and affordability issues.