Business
Protests in Praça D. João I and Pedro Duarte’s Position
The President of the Porto City Council, Pedro Duarte, commented on the housing protests in Praça D. João I and the police intervention, as a petition calls for his resignation.
Protests demanding the right to housing are taking place in Praça D. João I. The President of the Municipal Chamber of Porto, Pedro Duarte, emphasized that the municipality respects these demonstrations as long as they do not violate established rules.
Pedro Duarte stated that, while acknowledging the right to protest, the square will not become a 'campground.' The mayor noted that he observes 'much that is unrelated to housing' in the protesters' actions and declared he would be 'unyielding' regarding encampments.
In response to recent claims by the Housing Movement regarding police intervention that resulted in injuries to 37 participants, Duarte argued that the police were 'forced to intervene.' According to the mayor, it is essential to balance the right to protest with public order.
After a night of clashes with the police, protests in Praça D. João I resumed with a focus on Pedro Duarte, who has become a target of criticism from the movement. Organizers will decide whether they will continue setting up tents in the square.
In addition to the protests, a petition is circulating demanding the resignation of Pedro Duarte, having gathered 1,369 signatures by 7:00 PM. The text states that 'political power exists to serve citizens, not to intimidate them.'
The situation in Praça D. João I raises questions about the management of the right to housing and the limits of protests, generating a debate about the actions of the Municipal Chamber and the police response.