Tens of thousands march in Portuguese cities against surging home prices

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Tens of thousands of people have marched in Portugal in the biggest protest yet against surging housing prices.

LISBON, Portugal — Tens of thousands of people marched through more than 30 cities and towns across Portugal on Saturday in the largest protest yet against soaring housing costs that many say have put buying or renting a home beyond their reach.

The housing crisis has fueled weeks of demonstrations. Some activists have camped in central squares in Lisbon and Porto, the country’s two largest cities. Riot police with dogs have dispersed some protests, drawing accusations of heavy-handed tactics.

The demonstrations took inspiration from protests that began in neighboring Spain last month over similar housing concerns. They come amid widespread social unrest across Europe this autumn.

Marching under the slogan “We won’t let them steal our right to housing,” participants ranged from teenagers to retirees. Drums, music and chants accompanied the Lisbon march as protesters carried large banners and flags.

Susana Pacheco, a 35-year-old data analyst who works part-time as an astrologer to help pay her mortgage, said she worried about whether her younger sister could afford to move out of their parents’ home.

“I’m really worried about young people,” Pacheco said. “I don’t know how they’re going to be able to pay” for their own home.

“Things have become intolerable,” said Ana Encarnação, 42, citing rising living costs and the widening gap between rich and poor.

Activists want ceilings placed on rent increases, greater legal protection for tenants against eviction, and more affordable housing.

House prices in Portugal have risen much faster than incomes, statistics show.

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