Protests spread to Lisbon and Milan amid housing cost crisis

By the Editorial Team · Monday, October 19, 2026

Protests over rising housing costs and living expenses have spread from Spain and France to Italy and Portugal, resulting in violent clashes in Milan and large tent encampments in Lisbon demanding government action. These demonstrations underscore a growing regional crisis marked by social unrest, political tensions, and increasing pressure on governments to address deepening inequalities and the housing affordability crisis.

Protests against rising housing costs and living expenses that have recently unsettled Spain and France have expanded to Italy and Portugal, fueling unrest marked by clashes with police, property damage, and the establishment of protest encampments.

In Milan on Saturday, a demonstration initially peaceful escalated into violent clashes between masked protesters and law enforcement. Participants reportedly threw stones, paving blocks, and other objects at riot police and set fire to barricades constructed from bar tables. Police responded with water cannon and teargas to disperse the crowds. At least two officers were injured, and roughly 50 demonstrators—including minors—were detained. Images emerged showing a damaged carabinieri vehicle. Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, condemned the violence, stating that while protesting is a democratic right, "setting our cities ablaze is not." She accused so-called "hooligans" of exploiting the unrest to undermine security and paralyze cities. Milan’s centre-left mayor, Giuseppe Sala, acknowledged the legitimacy of the protestors’ concerns but condemned the violence against police and the damage inflicted on the city.

In Lisbon, a tent encampment was established in Rossio Square—one of the busiest areas of Portugal’s capital—as part of a nationwide movement demanding government action on the housing crisis and rising living costs. The demonstration followed a march attracting thousands across the country. Protesters vowed to remain overnight, gathering around the statue of King Pedro IV while singing and demonstrating solidarity. Elena Costa, a social assistant, described the protest as a response to the erosion of rights, especially the right to affordable housing, amid escalating costs. Antonio Margado, an engineer, criticized the centre-right government for what he described as a "total liberalisation of rents" favoring landlords over tenants. Official data indicate that Portuguese housing prices have increased by 124% between 2015 and 2024, more than double the European Union average, with the impact felt most acutely by younger residents and those living in Lisbon’s metropolitan area. The Lisbon protest expanded on earlier actions in Porto, where tents have also been set up. Organised by the CGTP union, the Lisbon rally called for improved public services, pensions, wages, and measures to address the housing affordability crisis.

Portugal’s Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, expressed understanding of public frustration over perceived shortcomings in government policy but cautioned political opponents against importing "climates of instability and protest" that lack broad societal support, a likely reference to the more violent incidents in France.

Meanwhile, Albania has witnessed its own surge of unrest, with protests fueled by grievances over university conditions and rising tuition fees calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. On Saturday in Tirana, demonstrators confronted police with rocks, Molotov cocktails, metal objects, and pyrotechnic devices, setting cars and litter bins ablaze to create barricades. Police responded by firing rubber bullets, marking a further escalation as buildings including a courthouse, banks, and a post office suffered damage.

The protests across southern Europe come on the heels of significant disturbances in Spain and France. In Spain, outrage intensified after the eviction of an 87-year-old woman, María del Carmen Abascal, unable to afford a 230% rent hike imposed by an investment firm that had acquired her property. Her case became a catalyst for demonstrations and the establishment of a protest camp in Madrid, prompting the socialist-led government to propose emergency housing measures. When these were rejected in parliament by rightwing and far-right parties, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced a snap general election scheduled for late November.

In France, protests initially sparked by concerns over teacher absences and poor school facilities in disadvantaged areas of northern Paris expanded into broader demonstrations against inequality, inadequate public spending, and declining standards. More than 1,200 arrests were reported in widespread clashes between supporters of high school students and police, with some episodes involving arson and looting.

The series of protests highlights a widening discontent across multiple European countries over rising rents, social inequality, and the perceived failure of governments to adequately address housing and public service challenges.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.