“The mission of Portuguese firefighters is too noble to be hostage to constraints or indifference,” stated António Nunes during the opening speech of the 45th National Congress of LPB.
António Nunes urged the sector to strive: “For the modernization of our equipment, the valorization of the careers of our firefighters, the dignification of our humanitarian associations, and the volunteerism that gives them consistency.”
The event, inaugurated today by Prime Minister Luis Montenegro in Alcobaça, Leiria district, saw the president of the League emphasize that “the mission of Portuguese firefighters is too noble to be hostage to constraints, bureaucracy, or indifference,” advocating that “this congress must aim to be a turning point.”
According to António Nunes, Portuguese firefighters cannot continue to accept “successive diagnoses without pointing out clear and consensual solutions,” asserting that it is time to “demand action.”
“We have no more time for complacency,” he declared, urging the approximately 700 congress attendees to “fight for justice, dignity, and recognition,” asserting that the sector’s efforts cannot continue to be “undervalued” and that they must not settle for “insufficient support, postponed promises, and recognitions that never arrive.”
He considered the indignation of Portuguese firefighters “legitimate and timely,” making it clear that these professionals “are very concerned, disillusioned, and need to regain reasons to believe” in the implementation of a range of measures to ensure the sector’s survival.
The LPB demands measures related to the funding of corporations, careers, and support for volunteerism, key topics in the 16 motions to be discussed over the two-day congress, which brings together leadership and management elements from humanitarian associations nationwide.
Dubbed as “the congress of affirmation,” the meeting might see the decision of protest actions, potentially including street demonstrations near governmental bodies, the deposition of helmets on the steps of the Assembly of the Republic, and a blockade where, for a few minutes, firefighters will not respond to incidents from the station.
The League includes the 436 humanitarian firefighter associations that exist across the country.
