Housing protests in Lisbon are set to intensify today as activists from the Acampada movement promise to spend the night in Rossio square, directly challenging the planned setup of the annual Christmas market. The group has suggested that Mayor Carlos Moedas relocate the fair, a move the official has already admitted is incompatible with ongoing demonstrations. While only a single tent was erected symbolically this morning, protesters intend to return tonight following a ruling by the Lisbon Administrative Court. The court authorized activist Renata Câmara to maintain her tent in the square as a form of protest until November 24.
Legal experts have raised questions regarding the scope and legitimacy of this judicial decision. Lawyer Miguel Matias noted that the ruling benefits only Câmara individually, potentially undermining the PSP's authority. He questioned whether a single individual has the standing to request such an injunction under regulations designed for collective interests rather than individual rights. Matias also warned that varying judicial interpretations could complicate the situation if more protesters file similar requests. In Porto, the night remained calmer with over ten tents set up in Praça Dom João I without police intervention, though organizers stated conditions were not yet met for a public meeting with local authorities.
Former President Cavaco Silva has issued strong warnings regarding the protests during a recent Council of State meeting. Aligning with the government's stance, he defended the PSP's legitimacy to intervene and accused far-left groups of instrumentalizing the housing crisis for political gain. Silva emphasized that effective management of public space is crucial to maintaining state authority, validating police actions taken over the last two weeks in both Lisbon and Porto. Government sources believe that prolonging the protests may eventually erode public and media attention, viewing the court's decision as an opportunity to assert that public spaces cannot be simply occupied.
On the international front, US troops have launched new attacks on Qeshm Island in southern Iran, marking the first direct strikes in over two months. The Wall Street Journal reports this is part of a series of secret operations occurring in recent weeks, coinciding with the day of US midterm elections where voters will decide on 435 House seats and one-third of the Senate. International law expert Francisco Pereira Coutinho warned that a significant Republican defeat could provoke President Trump to seek revenge against his own electorate, noting that Congress has limited power to restrain presidential foreign policy actions aside from funding controls.
In other global developments, Portugal will not present a candidate to succeed Christine Lagarde as president of the European Central Bank, following her announcement to leave the post in February. Diplomatic sources confirmed this decision as eurozone countries prepare to submit nominations by Friday. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of undermining peace efforts after an attack on humanitarian aid distribution killed at least 29 people and injured 46 others in southeastern Ukraine. Russian forces also targeted energy infrastructure overnight. In sports news, Jesús de Miguel, a 30-year-old player for Tenerife's second division team, died this morning following a cardiac arrest caused by a violent collision with an opposing goalkeeper during yesterday's match.
Sources: Observador.