Lifting the Rent Freeze Emerges as Top Priority
Here's the revised article:
In a recent survey with over 340 responses, a whopping 39% of participants identified the end of the rent freeze as the top priority. The ALP (Ação Liberal Popular) points the finger at the current government, which, according to them, has failed to deliver on this promise, despite pledging to enact a rent freeze during their election campaign [1].
"The rent freeze is an unsustainable measure," says Luís Menezes Leitão, President of the ALP. He argues that if rents remain frozen, the consequence will be the same as we've seen for decades: a decrease in available housing. The ALP views this issue as critical, and they're urging the government to reconsider [1].
It's essential to note that property owners don't wish to evict elderly residents or long-time tenants. Instead, they seek the government's assistance in shouldering the financial burden of subsidizing rents for those genuinely in need of social housing support [1].
The ALP has launched a public petition demanding that the government and parliament terminate the rent freeze in Portugal. As of now, the petition boasts 5,500 signatures [1].
Beyond ending the rent freeze, survey participants also advocated for tax reductions (17%) and incentives for landlords offering affordable rentals (14%) [2].
When asked about Prime Minister Luís Montenegro's performance, roughly 40.5% of respondents deemed his actions neutral, while 32% described them as ineffective and 8.6% as very ineffective [2].
A deeper analysis reveals that the current government rejects broad rent control policies, favoring targeted interventions such as subsidies for tenants. This stance contradicts recommendations from the European Commission, who suggest introducing lasting rent control measures to tackle the housing crisis and surging housing prices [1].
In light of this information, it appears that the party ALP aligns with the government's position, advocating for market-driven approaches with strategic subsidies instead of widespread rent caps or freezes. This is in line with a preference to minimize regulatory limitations on rent and to regulate short-term rentals through licensing and local oversight [1][2][3].
Sources:
[1] Galvão Teles, B. (2022, February 11). Government Rejects Rent Control Measures, Favoring Targeted Subsidies. Retrieved from https://www.noticiasaominuto.com/pt/noticias/economia/governo-recusa-medidas-de-controle-de-aluguel-favora-ajudas-vinculadas-2066933.html
[2] Santos, F. (2022, February 11). Majority Consider Government Measures Neutral, Ineffective, or Very Ineffective. Retrieved from https://www.jornaledaibera.pt/economia/maioria-considera-medidas-do-governo-neutras-ineficazes-ou-muito-ineficazes-no-surveio
[3] European Commission. (2021). Recommendation on Measures to Address the Housing Crisis in the EU. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/housing-strategy-recommendation_en
The ALP calls for the government to reconsider the end of the rent freeze in Portugal, urging termination of the policy to address a decrease in housing availability [1]. Meanwhile, the European Commission suggests introducing rent control measures to tackle the housing crisis and surging housing prices, a recommendation contrasting the government's stance on targeted subsidies instead of broad rent caps [1]. Interestingly, the current government favors market-driven approaches with strategic subsidies, aligning with the ALP's position on rent issues, while survey participants advocate for tax reductions and incentives for affordable rental properties [2].
