The Prime Minister expressed an understanding of the need for deterrent measures to prevent the occurrence of people living in shacks from becoming normalized, while acknowledging the “difficult compatibility” with the social emergency of displaced individuals.
In an interview with the program ‘Política com Assinatura’ on Antena 1, aired today, Luís Montenegro publicly addressed, for the first time, the demolition operation initiated by the Loures City Council a week ago, which involved 64 houses and affected 161 people. On the first day, 51 houses were demolished, followed by four more on the second day.
The operation has since been halted by a Lisbon court order after 14 residents filed an injunction.
“I believe it is indeed a very difficult balance, because, on one hand, it must be understood that something needs to be done to prevent the normalization of people building shacks and living in conditions that are absolutely inhuman; this cannot be normal,” he stated.
Montenegro recalled the period when slums existed in Portugal and stressed the necessity to “prevent this situation from becoming normal again” as a priority.
“We must prevent these neighborhoods from being rebuilt, and it is also necessary to demonstrate, in some way, a deterrent capacity,” he conceded.
Addressed on whether he understands the stance of the socialist mayor, Ricardo Leão, who has faced criticism even from within his party, Montenegro responded: “I understand the need to take measures to prevent this reality from becoming a part of our daily life again,” he affirmed.
“On the other hand, there must be an ability to provide a solution and not leave people without shelter; social policies are needed, along with, incidentally, a regulated immigration policy,” he added.
While the Prime Minister admitted lacking the details to state whether it applies to the Loures case, he noted reports suggesting that “some of these situations are based on” cases of illegal immigration.
“What I want to say is that the line is very complex: it is necessary, on one hand, to dissuade this from happening and, indeed, to have a social policy that ensures dignified housing for everyone,” he concluded.
Asked about his availability to meet with mayors like the one in Loures—who has already sent an urgent meeting request—the Prime Minister stated that the Government has acted concerning this municipality and others “within its responsibilities, which are primarily of a social nature,” since, from a housing perspective, the matter falls under the local council’s authority.
“But we are completely open to dialoguing with the municipalities and naturally contribute to resolving this problem,” he assured.
During the Antena 1 interview, conducted by journalist Natália Carvalho, the Prime Minister continued to defend the Health Minister, asserting that Ana Paula Martins holds “the most difficult” portfolio in the entire Government, and noted that about 70% of the emergency program in this area launched by his first Government has already been executed.
