The national council of the Portuguese Firefighters League (LBP), the decision-making body between congresses consisting of 50 members from district firefighter federations, will convene at their headquarters in Lisbon to address the current challenges facing the firefighting sector and consider potential actions.
The president of the LBP, António Nunes, indicated that the meeting is called due to the critical situation, and it will decide whether the firefighters will proceed with protests that could occur in Lisbon or other cities.
António Nunes commented that he is unaware of the decision the national council members would make, noting there are “two extreme positions.”
“Some counselors are more aggressive and want to initiate protests immediately, while others, although recognizing the need for action, are more conservative and wish to allow more time for the Government,” he stated.
The crux of the issue, according to the LBP president, lies in the funding allocated by the State Budget for humanitarian firefighting associations, cuts in patient transport services, and the establishment of a statute for firefighters employed in volunteer companies.
Nunes noted that the funding is “below expectations, given the rise in the national minimum wage.”
The State Budget sets aside approximately 37 million euros for the financing of volunteer firefighter companies in 2026, an increase of 2.2 million euros from this year.
The league has advocated for a minimum allocation of 49.38 million euros for volunteer firefighters in the upcoming year, based on risk criteria and each company’s activity.
The 2026 State Budget includes a cut of 12 million euros for non-urgent patient transport, a decision the League disputes as the firefighters were not consulted.
The most crucial issue, according to António Nunes, is the statute for volunteer firefighters employed in humanitarian associations, a document long-promised to include career pathways and remuneration indices.
This council meeting occurs amid emerging grassroots movements within volunteer firefighters, who have organized a demonstration near the parliament and have more protests planned.
Additionally, leaders of the National Association of Professional Firefighters (ANBP) and the National Union of Professional Firefighters (SNBP) are meeting in the Azores today to discuss the future of professional firefighters, including the need for legislative reorganization in the sector.
