Portugal rent reform criticised by CGTP for driving up rents

The General Confederation of Portuguese Workers (CGTP) warned that the government's planned reform of the urban lease regime will trigger a new escalation in rental prices, encourage speculation and make it harder for people to find a home to rent. The union said the measures give landlords "total freedom in setting contract conditions" and facilitate evictions, leaving tenants, especially the elderly, disabled and low‑income households, in a more vulnerable position.

CGTP also criticised the lack of detail on the new Emergency Housing Fund, questioning the amount of support, its duration and the type of accommodation guaranteed. The union argued that the reforms follow the same logic as the proposed Single Social Welfare Law, which it says stigmatises poverty and forces the poor to pay higher rents.