Baixa wants dialogue between the encampment and the Christmas Market

Merchants in Lisbon's Baixa district are open to discussions with protest representatives regarding the compatibility of a housing demonstration with a planned Christmas market in Rossio Square. Manuel Lopes, president of the Baixa Pombalina Association, expressed concerns about the coexistence of both events, emphasizing the importance of the Christmas market for local commerce. The market is set to run from November 13 to December 21. A recent court ruling allows the protest to continue until November 24, 2026, and mandates that if coexistence is not feasible, an alternative location must be provided for the protest. The ruling also protects the protester's right to demonstrate without interference from authorities.