The government must continue the dialogue initiated by the former Minister of Culture, Pedro Dão e Silva, in order to finalize a funding agreement ensuring VASP continues the distribution of information across the country’s regions,” urged José Luís Carneiro.
The socialist leader criticized the government’s decisions and those of the Minister of the Presidency, describing them as a heavy blow to the voice of local communities, particularly those located in the interior.
The reduction in newspaper distribution areas highlights the country’s need for a genuine policy of territorial cohesion and national development, stated José Luís Carneiro during a national secretariat meeting of the Socialist Party in Leiria.
The secretary-general warned of the risk that “half the country could be left without newspaper distribution,” illustrating the inequality in the country. He criticized Minister Leitão Amaro’s decision, stating it contradicts policies previously adopted by former Minister Poiares Maduro and Pedro Duarte, the current president of the Porto Chamber.
VASP’s administration announced on Thursday the potential suspension of daily newspaper distribution in the districts of Beja, Évora, Portalegre, Castelo Branco, Guarda, Viseu, Vila Real, and Bragança.
In a statement, VASP mentioned it is currently facing particularly challenging financial conditions due to the ongoing decline in newspaper sales and a significant increase in operational costs, putting the sustainability of the current daily distribution coverage under severe strain.
This situation directly impacts the viability of daily newspaper distribution at sales points, especially in the country’s interior regions, forcing the company to reassess its operational and logistical model, according to VASP — Distribution and Logistics, on the day Correio da Manhã reported that “eight districts are at risk of being without newspapers from January.”
Given this, and in the absence of solutions ensuring the full maintenance of the service as it currently stands, VASP declares it is assessing the need to make adjustments to certain routes, specifically in the districts of Beja, Évora, Portalegre, Castelo Branco, Guarda, Viseu, Vila Real, and Bragança.
