Construction and public housing are the solution to the housing crisis, says Governor of the Bank of Portugal

The Governor of the Bank of Portugal emphasized that solutions to the housing crisis must focus on increasing supply through more construction and public housing. During a seminar in Lisbon, Álvaro Santos Pereira stated that the central bank's role is to provide data rather than engage in political debates. He noted that public housing levels are significantly lower than in OECD countries and highlighted the need to streamline licensing processes to expedite construction. José Luis Escrivá, the Governor of the Bank of Spain, echoed concerns about the construction sector's struggles post-crisis. Santos Pereira called for national consensus among governments, private sectors, local authorities, and universities to address the housing issue effectively.