Speaking during a session of the Lisbon Municipal Assembly, Roseta stated, “We are rigorous and truthful, but we must also be humane.” Of the 300 resolved cases, over 100 were found vacant, another 100 were vacated, and just over 100 were regularised.

The discussion was prompted by a recommendation from the Chega party, which called for the urgent identification and eviction of illegally occupied social housing so it could be made available to those on the waiting list. The proposal was rejected, with votes against from BE, Livre, PEV, PCP, and PS, and support from PSD, IL, MPT, Aliança, CDS-PP, and Chega.

Roseta acknowledged that many of the unauthorised occupancies involve families who have remained in properties without formal tenancy agreements, often after the original tenant passed away. “Homes are not inherited in our city,” she clarified.

Of the 700 unresolved cases, 600 families have already submitted documentation, allowing the council to assess their situations on a case-by-case basis. “The goal is to support those who need it most,” Roseta stressed, noting many occupants face severe social vulnerability or lack awareness of the housing support system.

Cases eligible for regularisation are limited to those established before October 2021, the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Any newer cases of illegal occupation, of which there have already been more than 400, are being immediately vacated.

The Chega proposal, which also aimed to block any future legalisation of unauthorised occupancies, was criticised by the PS, who argued it contradicted the council’s current humanitarian approach. Tensions flared between PS and PSD, with accusations of political opportunism and inconsistency.