The residents of Pátio da Quintinha submitted a document signed by over 130 people to the City Hall this morning. The delegation was received by the assistant to the president, Carlos Moedas, and the PCP councilor, João Ferreira.
The issue at hand involves an executive process by AC Rodrigues, Construções e Investimentos S.A., which put the building in the Beato parish up for an electronic auction from October 24 to November 14, with a starting value of 2.35 million euros and a minimum price of 1.99 million.
“The potential sale of this property endangers the housing of nearly a hundred people living here, including families with children and elderly. People ranging from 2 months to 95 years old, who were born here and have had children here, building a community crossing generations,” the residents warn.
The signatories of the petition also note that “the manner in which the sale is presented creates a situation of extreme vulnerability,” forecasting “any eviction procedures, termination of existing contracts, or regularization of identified occupancy situations.”
“This risk contradicts the constitutional principle of the right to housing. At a time when Lisbon is facing a severe housing crisis, it is crucial for public authorities to assume their responsibilities. The submission of this petition aims to publicly convey the concerns of the Pátio da Quintinha residents and reaffirm the need for a prompt response from the municipality,” the residents justify.
A week ago, Lisbon City Council unanimously approved a proposal by the PCP to assess the possibility of exercising the right of preference in the sale of Pátio da Quintinha to ensure the right to housing.
In a private meeting of the municipal executive, the PCP’s proposal, included in the agenda as an extra item, was supported, receiving backing from the PSD/CDS-PP/IL leadership, as well as councilors from Chega, PS, Livre, and BE.
