President criticises police action and pledges to consult experts

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa responded to the police action against housing protesters at an encampment in Lisbon, saying he had not appreciated what he witnessed. According to Observador, the President contacted officials personally for information following the incident. At his weekly meeting with the prime minister, he demanded justifications for the police operation.

Seguro stressed that respect for and compliance with the law must apply to everyone, according to Público. At the same time, he committed to consulting experts on the housing question, which was central to the suppressed demonstrations.

Before the President's response, left-wing parties, including figures from the Socialist Party, had demanded a formal condemnation of the police action from Belém, according to Observador. Protesters also criticised the President's initial silence.

The political landscape revealed divergent positions. While the left urged the President to condemn the police action, André Ventura wanted Marcelo to praise the police, as reported by Observador.

The President had initially shown caution in speaking publicly on the subject. Público described him as "attentive" and "deeply concerned" about divisions in the country, but in no hurry to comment on the police action. However, confronted with appeals from members of his Board of Honour, Seguro presented his position.

The President's response came days after political pressure from multiple quarters, establishing a stance that acknowledged the controversy surrounding the police operation and its impact on society.