Iniciativa Liberal leader challenges government over vacant state housing

Mariana Leitão, leader of the Iniciativa Liberal (IL), has challenged Prime Minister Luís Montenegro to fulfill promises regarding the housing crisis by making vacant state-owned properties available for rent.

During a visit to the Castelo Branco district, Leitão highlighted that over 100 state-owned buildings in the city of Castelo Branco remain closed and unused. She argued these properties should be utilized to provide affordable rental options amidst rising rents and low wages.

Leitão also criticized proposals from left-wing parties, citing Spain as a cautionary example where rent control measures allegedly caused thousands of homes to exit the rental market. She called for effective solutions rather than policies that could exacerbate existing housing issues.