The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, took part on Wednesday in a ceremony commemorating the victims of the 2017 fires. In Vouzela, Viseu district, the head of state emphasized the need to “accelerate the pace” to prevent a recurrence of fires similar to those of that year, as well as smaller ones that had significant impacts.
“It was a brutal shock to Portuguese society. It was an awakening, a warning that led to many changes. Some have occurred, others are still happening, and others are expected to occur. It was a profound shock, but also one of solidarity,” he stated, noting that all Portuguese citizens, even those abroad, came to help.
“Today, in this celebration, there is hope for a better future,” he said.
Marcelo noted that municipalities, firefighters, and even the National Republican Guard and Civil Protection have improved in prevention areas that “did not exist.” Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa mentioned the beginning of land registry efforts because there are territories with unknown landowners in many municipalities.
The head of state also highlighted the importance of municipalities having more power to prevent and combat fires if land management is not respected.
“We are much better off than in 2017. We are still below the expectations for the coming years,” he stated, emphasizing that there were areas where progress in land management was hindered by “bureaucratic” issues.
“Now, it is necessary to accelerate to prevent a repeat of 2017, or even situations less severe than 2017, in the future,” he reinforced.
Reflecting on the past eight years, Marcelo pointed out that some matters are related to changing mindsets. “And the mindset was and still is slow to change in many cases. Many absentee or present landowners without means resisted the idea of greater local government intervention. More essential funds are also needed,” he continued, noting that the prevention scheme needs improvement, especially “with a greater military role.”
It is notable that the forest fires in Portugal that year broke out on October 15 in the center and north of the country, as well as in the Galicia region of Spain. There were 440 active fires in Portugal (523 occurrences, according to the prime minister), 33 of which were significant in size.
This year, Portugal also experienced fires, and in response to the situation, which drew criticism towards the government at the time, Marcelo noted improvements in aerial firefighting, acknowledging that eight years ago, there were “very few” resources. “Even so, there were deficiencies initially in aerial means that should have arrived but did not,” he recognized, mentioning the Air Force’s involvement.
Asked about what he would like to have “resolved” during his two terms, Marcelo warned that all future governments must remain vigilant, highlighting that there is always something to address, drawing attention to issues related to communication, as well as prevention.
