“This bridge – whether called Salazar, 25 de Abril, or the bridge over the Tagus – is in a worrying state in terms of its support. We may soon have to shut down this bridge for repairs, and I think it’s important for Infraestruturas de Portugal to consider the condition of the bridge. We should alert the authorities about its state,” stated Bruno Mascarenhas during a meeting of the Lisbon Municipal Assembly.
This statement was made during a discussion prompted by Chega’s motion of congratulations for the ‘bridge over the Tagus / Salazar Bridge,’ which drew criticism since the infrastructure’s current name is Ponte 25 de Abril. The motion was rejected with votes against from BE, Livre, PEV, PCP, two deputies from Cidadãos Por Lisboa (elected by the PS/Livre coalition), PS, PSD, IL, Aliança, and CDS-PP, abstention from MPT, and votes in favor from Chega and deputy Margarida Penedo (formerly of CDS-PP).
Bruno Mascarenhas further argued for the need for a new crossing over the Tagus River, suggesting a connection between Algés and Trafaria to relieve the Ponte 25 de Abril, stating that the infrastructure, inaugurated in August 1966, no longer meets current demands.
In response, Francisco Domingues from PSD demanded “concrete elements” from the Chega deputy to substantiate his concerns about the bridge’s safety, deeming the expressed concerns “alarming.”
“If the bridge isn’t safe, I think the public should be informed,” insisted the social democrat.
Similarly, IL deputy Angélique da Teresa stated that if Bruno Mascarenhas does not provide the information he has to the Chega group in the Assembly of the Republic, she will request an emergency meeting to assess the status of the Ponte 25 de Abril.
“I cannot believe the deputy has privileged information that is not being shared with his colleagues in the Assembly of the Republic,” said the IL deputy, calling the alert “extremely serious.”
Bruno Mascarenhas clarified: “We know the bridge is under significant strain, and that’s what we need to consider. I didn’t say the bridge would collapse. I didn’t say it was at risk. I said there is significant strain and wear on this bridge.”
The Chega deputy emphasized the need to “create new infrastructure” and urged the government to inquire with Infraestruturas de Portugal about the current state of Ponte 25 de Abril, calling for a thorough assessment.
“If they confirm everything is fine, we’ll all be reassured and calm,” he added, noting that “prevention is better than cure.”
Despite this response, PSD deputy Américo Vitorino accused Bruno Mascarenhas of “spreading fear,” casting doubt on a bridge used daily by thousands, referencing the Glória elevator incident: “It’s highly censurable and unworthy of this Municipal Assembly, especially for a candidate for Lisbon’s City Council [in the October 12 elections].”
Martim Borges de Freitas from CDS-PP requested that the assembly’s president send a formal request to Chega for justifications for the statements made.
Regarding the motion of congratulations, Ofélia Janeiro from Livre criticized Chega for “attempting to resurrect the dictator and erase the meaning of April,” an interpretation shared by IL’s Angélique da Teresa, with both condemning the proposal.
“We have no intention of resurrecting the Salazar Bridge,” affirmed Bruno Mascarenhas.
