“I wish to share my concern with the new legislation and the government’s stance on appointments for the CCDR, which represent a clear setback and a move towards the government control of these structures,” declared the socialist mayor during the XXVII Congress of ANMP, held this weekend in Viana do Castelo.
For Inês de Medeiros, this opposes the “decentralization process, the autonomy of local power, and the process initiated with the transfer of competencies” to municipalities.
The government approved the creation of vice-presidencies dedicated to Health, Education, and Agriculture sectors in the five CCDR.
In November, the Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro, explained that the election of presidents and vice-presidents of the CCDR remains based regionally, through municipalities and regional councils.
The new sectoral vice-presidents will be appointed by the government and will report to their respective ministries.
“It seemed like we were creating five new positions. No. There are five strong roles for regional coordination, it’s true, but it’s not a new entity,” he clarified, adding that it is about strengthening coordination and reducing structures.
The new vice-presidents will not have routine management duties but will be responsible for identifying regional priorities, planning infrastructures and equipment, and coordinating public health policies.
