Portugal's housing shortage sparks political and professional debate

In Funchal, Socialist councilor Rui Caetano denounced the regional government's plan for 20‑storey blocks, calling the claim of a land shortage a "falsa questão" used to "mascarar cinco décadas de incompetência" of the PSD. He said public land such as the Penha de França site has been ready for years but remains idle, and warned that height‑based projects do not guarantee affordable homes.

In the Alentejo region, Cláudia Gaspar, president of the regional chapter of the Order of Architects, said the nationwide housing deficit is placing greater social responsibility on architects. Speaking at the Regional Architect Day in Évora, she urged the profession to look beyond design and help address the lack of affordable housing across Portugal.