“The Portuguese state, irrespective of the government, local authorities, or public officials, lacks the capacity, competence, or will to prevent the recurrence of this situation,” asserted the president of CAP, Álvaro Mendonça e Moura, in response.
The former ambassador highlighted that Portugal currently employs more public servants than ever before but still displays a “weak ability to plan and intervene in the territory.”
He attributed this scenario partly to the dismantling of the Ministry of Agriculture, initiated by previous administrations.
While he praised the swift support measures adopted by Luís Montenegro’s government, he criticized the neglect of producers’ and farmers’ organizations and associations, which he considers crucial.
“To disregard the role of local organizations and associations is a clear sign that once again, while the country burns, the fresh reality of ministerial offices dictates the tune of a song that will always be out of harmony,” he emphasized.
Moreover, the CAP stated that the criteria for compensation awards must be equal for everyone and that local councils lack the technical expertise to assess agricultural and forestry damage.
This responsibility, according to the confederation, lies with the Regional Coordination and Development Commissions (CCDR), in collaboration with farmers’ and producers’ organizations.
Regarding compensation for the loss of homes, Álvaro Mendonça e Moura stressed the importance of ensuring the notion that “insurance is indispensable” is maintained.
Regarding measures such as one-year exemptions from social security contributions for companies affected by fires or the possibility of resorting to the work contract reduction or suspension regime (‘lay-off’), Mendonça e Moura expressed that while they may have minimal effects temporarily, they fall short of what businesses and populations in the interior have come to terms with: “Next year, there will be more (fires).”
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro announced on Thursday, during a press conference in Viseu, where the extraordinary Council of Ministers took place, a “new legislative instrument” to be adopted henceforth in circumstances similar to those experienced by the country in recent weeks.
Among the 45 measures approved is financial support for the “enhancement of agricultural productive potential and exceptional support to farmers for damage compensation, including undocumented expenses,” up to a maximum of 10,000 euros.
Mainland Portugal has been affected by multiple large-scale rural fires since July, primarily in the North and Center regions.
The fires have resulted in four fatalities, including a firefighter, and numerous injuries, some severe, and have destroyed homes and agricultural as well as livestock farms, in addition to forested areas.
Portugal activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism, under which it has access to two Fire Boss planes, a Super Puma helicopter, and two Canadair planes.
According to provisional official data, around 250,000 hectares have burned by August 23, more than 57,000 of which were in the fire that began in Arganil.
