A case described as a “criminal situation and a violation of the right to housing and the Housing Framework Law regarding eviction” by former deputy Helena Roseta, has prompted significant criticism. Roseta called the actions of Loures municipality, led by the Socialist Party (PS)—a party she belonged to for many years and for which she drafted the Housing Framework Law (Law No. 83/2019)—as “violent” and “completely abusive.”
“An administrative eviction cannot be carried out in this manner. The Housing Framework Law is very clear on this,” she asserted, emphasizing that “people were neither heard nor directed.”
Roseta highlighted that while municipalities have the power to inspect and demolish illegal structures, the Urbanization and Building Legal Regime (RJUE) “does not permit administrative evictions,” which are regulated by the housing framework law and the civil code.
An administrative eviction “not decided by a court must comply with the Housing Framework Law. This was not decided by any court,” she noted.
Roseta criticized the situation where “a mere administrative mandate from the Mayor orders demolition because it is illegal. Yes, I know it’s illegal, but what about the people? Are they illegal too? What do you do with the people? You cannot do this,” she declared, arguing that “abuse of power” is more grievous “when done by elected officials.”
The law prohibits administrative eviction without prior assurance of an alternative solution. “Where is the alternative solution? This is a direct, flagrant violation,” she added, recalling that Article 13 of Law No. 83/2019 was hard-won but “is clear.”
Moreover, “in the event of evictions, people must be notified within a reasonable timeframe,” she stressed.
“They were given 48 hours, but it was 48 hours over the weekend, (…) completely against the rules. They should have provided legal support for the people. Where is their legal support?” she questioned.
When asked about the demolitions by socialist municipal executives (Loures, Amadora, Odivelas), Roseta, who in 2007 left the PS to run as an independent for Lisbon city hall leading the Citizens for Lisbon movement, commented, “I deeply regret that they don’t even comply with the law, nor consider that this law was approved by the Socialist Party in the Assembly of the Republic.”
The architect mentioned that “an open letter will emerge” to gather signatures against the Loures municipality’s actions.
The Loures municipality began demolishing 64 precarious homes, housing 161 people, in Talude Militar on Monday.
According to the municipality, on the first day, 51 homes were demolished, with operations continuing early the next morning.
Data gathered by a municipal deputy and member of Vida Justa indicated that “at least four homes were demolished” today before the municipality suspended operations “while analyzing” the order from the Lisbon Administrative Court issued Monday night, which ordered Loures Municipality to “refrain from executing the demolition act” in Bairro do Talude Militar.
In the meantime, the displaced families spent the night in tents and a local church, according to Vida Justa. “Loures Municipality’s support for these people remains nonexistent,” lamented Miguel Dores from the movement.
Loures Municipality advised the families to visit the social services at Casa da Cultura in Sacavém and request support. “Housing alternatives in the rental market with potential financial support for deposit and first rent were offered,” according to a municipal source.
However, Vida Justa considers this as “non-support,” arguing that the residents will not be able to access the housing market.
