Through a legislative proposal, the PSD seeks to criminalize the act of invading or occupying a residence, with penalties of up to two years in prison or fines up to 240 days, intensified in cases involving violence, personal permanent homes, or intent to gain profit.
The Social Democrats aim for attempted home invasions to be punishable as well.
This proposal received favorable votes from the PSD, CH, PS, IL, and CDS-PP, while JPP abstained, and Livre, PCP, BE, and PAN voted against.
The IL’s bill proposes that individuals who illegally occupy others’ properties be evicted within 48 hours.
The liberals want “home invasion and usurpation of real estate” to be added to the list of crimes under the law (such as threat, coercion, or stalking) that currently allow a judge to order the removal of offenders from the premises.
The party continues to push for harsher penalties for these crimes, proposing that the illegal occupation of a house warrant a three-year prison sentence (up from one year), and if conducted with violence, the punishment rise from three to five years.
The IL also seeks the authority for police to identify individuals “in private places, in cases of home invasion and usurpation of real estate,” whereas current law only permits such identification in public places open to the public.
This proposal was approved despite opposition from PS, Livre, PCP, BE, PAN, and JPP.
Chega also proposes a 48-hour deadline for property evacuation, or immediate action in cases of flagrante delicto.
The party wants swift legal proceedings for these cases and increased penalties for illegal home occupation, suggesting prison terms up to three years, or fines up to 360 days, potentially extending to five years of incarceration if violence is involved.
Chega calls for higher penalties “by one-third at the minimum,” when actions are committed with intent to gain financial advantage, for oneself or others, or when the crime is committed by two or more persons.
This proposal faced opposition from PS, Livre, PCP, BE, PAN, and a JPP dissent. The remaining parties voted in favor.
A CDS resolution recommending the Government “urgent legislative measures to expedite the eviction of unlawful occupiers, including provisions for immediate removal in cases of flagrante delicto,” was also approved.
The centrists also demand strengthening the resources of Justice and Internal Administration “to ensure an effective, swift, and proportional response to the severity of property rights violations,” along with “awareness campaigns to deter illegal practices and restore citizens’ trust in the Democratic Rule of Law.”
