Free wants a billion fund for housing

The Livre party proposed a €1 billion Public Housing Fund and called for the Tax Authority to help municipalities identify vacant homes for higher property tax. During a press conference, spokesperson Isabel Mendes Lopes presented some of the 500 amendments to the 2027 State Budget. The party aims to increase public housing, currently at 2%, and suggested measures like updating family coefficients for lower property tax and a 100% increase for non-residents not renting out their homes. They also advocate for a moratorium on evictions due to speculation and a reduction in VAT. In education, Livre proposes higher starting salaries for teachers and free meals in public school canteens. Mendes Lopes criticized the government's budget proposal as inadequate for the current economic situation. The budget amendments will be discussed starting November 18, with a final vote on November 24.