Luís Montenegro denies calling housing protesters selfish

Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has denied accusations that he labeled housing protesters as ‘selfish’. Clarifying his remarks following recent demonstrations in Porto, Montenegro stated that his comments regarding ‘selfish reasons’ were directed at political parties, associative movements, and organizations rather than the protesters themselves.

Montenegro emphasized that he respects the expression of indignation regarding housing issues, noting that the government has implemented measures to increase public and private housing supply. However, he expressed concern over certain protest activities, mentioning that he intends to review footage from demonstrations where he claims there were calls for violence and direct threats against his and his family's residence.

The clarification follows a large gathering in Porto, where approximately three thousand people protested for housing rights following a period of encampment and police intervention.