Carlos Moedas addressed the gathering at Praça do Município during the ceremony marking the 134th anniversary of the Lisbon Municipal Police.
“Today is a day to commend your dedication. Being a municipal police officer means putting yourself in harm’s way. This was evident last week during the tragic Ascensor da Glória accident. I witnessed the Municipal Police arriving on the scene within minutes alongside firefighters, Civil Protection, and medical personnel,” stated the mayor.
Carlos Moedas emphasized that it was “thanks to Lisbon’s security forces” that lives were saved.
“I was everywhere a mayor could have been. I did everything in my power. Lisbon responded with leadership and coordination. Therefore, I know it will never be possible to thank you enough. The entire country saw that you were true heroes,” he acknowledged.
The social-democrat also stressed the importance of valuing the police “in moments when no one is watching” and reiterated his advocacy for legislative changes that would grant this force more powers, including the ability to detain suspects.
“That is why I have been relentless in my appeals to the Government: Lisbon needs more municipal police, more video surveillance, more night guards. The city’s safety is at stake,” highlighted the mayor, who is running for re-election in October.
The Glória elevator, under the management of Carris (under the municipality’s jurisdiction), derailed on September 3, in an accident that resulted in 16 deaths and about two dozen injuries, among Portuguese and foreigners of various nationalities, which is under investigation.
