The Justice Movement issued a statement condemning actions by two municipalities, accusing them of disregarding judicial orders related to precautionary measures initiated by several residents to halt demolitions. The group highlighted that 70 children are among the affected families.
In Loures, demolitions are planned for the Talude neighborhood, where similar actions occurred in late June. The Justice Movement reported that on July 11th, the Loures Municipal Council posted notices announcing new demolitions and gave residents a 48-hour window to vacate. Over 60 homes are reportedly involved.
Similarly, in Amadora, announcements were posted indicating the demolition of 16 homes on Estrada Militar (Mina de Água), with families also given two days to vacate.
The movement pointed out that “hundreds of people residing in these two municipalities within the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, including children, the elderly, and the sick, will be left without housing alternatives.”
When contacted, the Loures Municipal Council stated that their actions are “always within the law, respecting judicial decisions, prioritizing safety, public health, and human dignity.”
The municipality criticized the Justice Movement for “manipulating vulnerable individuals” without offering “any concrete solution to the serious issue of uncontrolled illegal construction.”
“The Loures Municipal Council will continue to act responsibly, supporting those willing to comply and firmly rejecting the disorderly construction of shacks in the municipality,” the statement to the press read.
The Amadora Municipal Council has not yet responded to attempts for contact.
According to the Justice Movement, these demolitions breach laws, including the legal framework for urbanization and building, the Basic Housing Law, and associated regulations, as well as Portugal’s human rights commitments.
“These municipalities persist with policies that expel the poorest, blame victims of the housing crisis, and destroy homes in front of desperate children and parents,” the movement asserted.
The movement accuses the Government (PSD/CDS-PP) and the Municipal Councils of Loures and Amadora (both PS-led) of failing to address the housing problem with measures such as market regulation and public housing, aiming instead to create a social collapse.
