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Paulo Raimundo addressed a public forum in Barreiro, Setúbal, discussing housing issues as part of a broader campaign focused on wages and pensions.
He argued that addressing the housing problem requires tackling both wage stagnation and speculation. Raimundo specifically pointed to banks and real estate funds as contributing to the issue, noting that many people in Portugal struggle to afford rent or mortgage payments.
He highlighted the availability of housing in Barreiro, citing data showing over 800 houses for sale, and argued that the core issue is low wages preventing people from purchasing homes at current prices.
Raimundo criticized policies that he believed prioritize business interests over the needs of residents, using the example of mortgage coverage for young people, which he said is offset by restrictive loan requirements. He also pointed to the prevalence of precarious employment contracts, particularly among young people, as hindering their ability to secure housing.
Furthermore, he criticized land law changes that convert rural land to urban land, stating that these changes encourage speculation. He noted the existence of 700,000 empty houses in Portugal and questioned the government’s focus on new construction, particularly on previously undeveloped land, arguing it benefits real estate investors.
