The Minister of Economy today asserted that the Government is “manifestly more committed” to ending the fires than the Socialist Party was, but emphasized that this is a problem that will only be resolved in the long term.
“The Socialist Party was in power until 2024 and few results were seen. This Government is clearly more determined in action. We have more means used in combat, more planes, more operatives on the ground,” stated the Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion, Castro Almeida, in an interview with RTP3.
However, the minister admitted that the Government could have done more, while highlighting that this is a task that must be addressed long term.
Castro Almeida assured that the executive has never underestimated this problem, clarifying that Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and the Minister of Internal Administration, Maria Lúcia Amaral, are aware of the “risks that existed and still exist.”
Asked if political consequences should be drawn from this situation, the minister stressed that “the Government must do its job” and, for that to happen, it needs time.
When prompted to comment on the “disappearance” of the Minister of Internal Administration, Castro Almeida assured that Maria Lúcia Amaral has “been working hard.”
Regarding the damage caused by the fires, the minister stated that it is still not possible to calculate an exact figure, as assessments are ongoing.
However, based on his contacts with local authorities, he stated that the damage will be much higher than what was recorded last year.
According to data provided by the official, in 2024, the damages subject to state compensation were less than 100 million euros.
Prime Minister Luís Montenegro announced on Thursday in Viseu, where the extraordinary Council of Ministers was held, a “new legislative instrument” to be adopted from now on, in similar circumstances to what the country has experienced in recent weeks.
Among the 45 approved measures is financial support for the “profitability of the productive agricultural potential and exceptional support to farmers for compensation of losses, even through undocumented expenses,” up to a maximum of 10,000 euros, as well as a forest plan to be implemented by 2050.
Mainland Portugal has been affected by multiple large-scale rural fires since July, mainly in the North and Center regions.
The fires resulted in four fatalities, including a firefighter, and several injuries, some serious, and destroyed, in whole or in part, primary and secondary homes, as well as agricultural and livestock farms and forest areas.
Portugal activated the European Union 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, by August 23, approximately 250,000 hectares had burned in the country.
