Portalegre and Lisbon residents protest municipal decisions over starlings and homeless shelter

In Portalegre’s Assentos neighbourhood, residents have complained for years about a massive concentration of starlings near homes. They say the birds create persistent noise, litter streets with feathers and droppings, and pose health and economic burdens. Representative Fátima Peixe brought the issue to the municipal assembly, urging the council to assume responsibility and implement concrete measures. Mayor Fermelinda Carvalho acknowledged the long‑standing problem, noted past tree‑cutting attempts were unpopular, and offered to meet with residents to explore solutions.

In Lisbon’s São Vicente parish, neighbours are protesting the municipal decision to locate a night shelter for people experiencing homelessness in a dead‑end street adjacent to a playground. They argue the site creates safety, mobility and sanitation concerns and was chosen without community consultation. Residents have organized a demonstration, lodged a petition with the city council, and are demanding transparency and a reevaluation of the location.

Both incidents illustrate local communities pressing municipal authorities for greater responsiveness to environmental and social concerns.