US Embassy issues security alert for Portugal protests

The United States Embassy in Lisbon has issued a security alert advising American citizens to exercise caution due to ongoing protests regarding the housing crisis and cost of living in Lisbon and Porto.

Recent demonstrations have led to confrontations between protesters and police. In recent operations, the Public Security Police (PSP) dispersed housing rights encampments in Lisbon’s Rossio Square and Porto’s Praça Dom João I, removing approximately 100 tents. These interventions involved crowd control measures, including the use of tear gas, and resulted in over twenty injuries among both protesters and police officers.

The embassy recommends that travelers avoid Rossio Square in Lisbon and Praça Dom João I in Porto. Citizens are advised to monitor local media, maintain a low profile, and stay away from large gatherings, noting that protest routes may change without notice.