A cross-party manifesto titled 'This is still about homes for living' has been launched by nearly 50 subscribers from diverse political backgrounds, aiming to recentre the national debate on housing. The initiative was prompted by protests that began in October, which have since been marked by several police charges. Among the promoters are former CDS president Francisco Rodrigues dos Santos and PS national leader Pedro Costa. The list of signatories includes prominent figures such as Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues and Duarte Cordeiro from the Socialist Party (PS), alongside António Capucho, José Pacheco Pereira, and former deputies Duarte Pacheco and Fernando Negrão from the Social Democratic Party (PSD).
The document also features former ministers Amílcar Theias, David Justino, and Carlos Pimenta, as well as lawyer Daniel Proença de Carvalho. Pedro Costa describes the initiative as an effort to refocus on housing after successfully opening the debate, noting that recent discussions have been dominated by fundamental rights issues rather than the core problem. He emphasizes that while signatories may disagree on specific solutions, they agree on the priority of the issue and align with paths identified by international organizations.
Co-promoter Maria Castello Branco argues that it is essential to return focus to the housing crisis itself, as recent weeks have seen the conversation shift toward police action and public order. She warns that this shift benefits parties unwilling to resolve the underlying issues. The manifesto asserts that both the right to protest and the right to housing are essential, but stresses that the fundamental problem remains that people lack homes.
The text directs sharp criticism at the current government, accusing it of prioritizing the repression of dissent over solving the problems that cause it. Signatories express concern that the debate is drifting away from housing toward public order, arguing that the insistence on police responses allows the government to avoid explaining its choices. They contend that while the manner of protest is discussed, the inability of citizens to pay rent with their salaries remains unaddressed.
Regarding the management of demonstrations, the manifesto demands clarifications and an investigation into responsibilities, asserting that security forces must respect the right to protest and use force only when necessary. It places political responsibility squarely on the Prime Minister and the Minister of Internal Administration, stating that this burden cannot be shifted to police officers on the street.
Critiques extend to the government's concrete responses to the housing crisis, with promoters stating that the effort required to find a home has become unbearable for many families. They accuse the government of ignoring this reality and aggravating it with measures that fuel speculation and leave the most vulnerable unprotected. Specifically regarding proposed changes to rental laws, which are currently in parliament following an agreement between the PSD and Chega, the signatories argue the government is fostering confrontation by pitting tenants against landlords and protesters against police.
While acknowledging that the housing crisis has accumulated responsibilities over many years, the text highlights a lack of ambition from the current government to act. It calls for everyone to have access to dignified housing at prices compatible with their income, urging public decisions to prioritize this goal and listen to those with direct experience of the problem. Maria Castello Branco notes that this is an issue for both major parties, PS and PSD, pointing out that while the PS governed for eight years, the current administration holds the responsibility to solve it now despite warnings from the European Commission and the IMF.
The manifesto also addresses the Parliament, highlighting a lack of measures focused on supply, such as urgently lifting vacant state-owned homes. Castello Branco acknowledges the difficulties in enacting major reforms within a fragmented parliament but argues that Prime Minister Luís Montenegro must present results to avoid long-term political problems. She suggests that the President of the Republic could be more specific about seeking understandings between the three most representative parties.
The six promoters of the manifesto include Pedro Costa, Francisco Rodrigues dos Santos, André Santos Pereira, former PS deputy Isabel Costa, researcher João Costa Rodrigues, and commentator Maria Castello Branco. The list of 48 signatories also includes independent Cascais councilor José Maria Jonet, commentators Pedro Marques Lopes and Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles, university presidents, and various other political and cultural figures. Pedro Costa stated that the movement was organic, assembled in 24 hours to be suprapartisan, and expressed confidence that the PS secretary-general agrees with the importance of the debate. He acknowledged that while current leadership has made efforts, significant work remains to make housing a priority agenda.
Sources: Observador.