Portuguese municipal leaders call for state intervention in housing crisis

Municipal leaders in Portugal are highlighting the growing housing crisis and its impact on vulnerable populations. In Coimbra, Mayor Ana Abrunhosa reported that 103 people are currently living on the streets, describing the situation as a reality that requires increased cooperation between institutions to reach those in need. She emphasized the importance of housing as the foundation for stability and noted the challenge of 'hidden poverty' within communities.

In Alcobaça, Mayor Hermínio Rodrigues also addressed the housing shortage, specifically noting the difficulty young people face in affording properties in the current market. While noting that over half of the local houses aged 60 to 70 years are being renovated, Rodrigues argued that the state must intervene to address the crisis. Locally, the Alcobaça municipality invests approximately 200,000 euros annually in rent support and is developing affordable rental projects to help retain young residents.