“They are selling shacks for two to three thousand euros each for every five square meters, with a guarantee of light and water,” stated Ricardo Leão at a summit organized by SIC Notícias, noting that between March and July, “the number” of precarious housing units in Talude Militar “quadrupled.”
When questioned by SIC Notícias journalists about which “criminal web” this refers to, Ricardo Leão replied, “It is a single person, who has been identified, and who also has a shack there.”
The mayor described the situation as “very serious,” prompting the filing of a complaint. “That is what’s disgraceful,” he remarked, expressing regret that people have fallen “for that illusion.”
Simultaneously, Ricardo Leão accused the Vida Justa movement of “harming people” in Talude by “forbidding them from speaking” with municipal technicians.
“Vida Justa is manipulating these families,” he stated, assuring that the municipality has been “talking to all the people” in Talude Militar since March, where the civic movement has been supporting residents, notably by raising donations.
“A problem needed to be stopped,” Ricardo Leão stressed, recalling that he has carried out “250 demolitions” in this term.
The problem “is not new,” he emphasized, referring to a “chaotic” situation where there is a widespread belief “that in Loures they can build” housing illegally.
Ricardo Leão further mentioned that nearly half of the residents of Talude Militar are from outside the municipality—a point contested by on-the-ground associations.
The municipality “ensures all social support so [those left without a home] do not sleep on the street” and “offers accommodation for everyone,” he assured, “with complete honesty,” that those people “sleep [outdoors] because they want to.”
When asked about criticisms from Socialist Party members following the demolition of housing in Talude Militar, Ricardo Leão stated he does not comment on comments.
When questioned about whether he has considered changing parties, he responded, “Not even thinking about it.”
He affirmed, “The socialist framework is here, in combating the indignity of people.”
Regarding the fact that he responded with “a hug” on his official social media to racist comments about the residents of Talude Militar, Ricardo Leão acknowledged it was “an error of the company managing the page” and assured that he “obviously” did not give such instructions.
“Even I was saddened and outraged,” he said.
The mayor disclosed that he requested a meeting with the Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, in March and is still waiting for a date.
