The government’s proposal, which received support from all parliamentary benches, modifies a decree-law from August 24, already outlining a set of measures to assist affected individuals, by adding three measures requiring parliamentary approval.
The measures include waiving the authorization for providing support and signing contracts between municipalities and the Regional Coordination and Development Commissions (CCDR) in specific cases mentioned in the decree, VAT exemption for donations of animal feed, and classifying certain acts and contracts as urgent, exempting them from prior audit by the Court of Auditors.
Parliament also approved a PCP bill to strengthen urgent support measures for fire victims, amending the same August 24 decree-law. The bill, supported by PS, Livre, PCP, and JPP, with PSD, Chega, IL, CDS-PP, and PAN abstaining, includes support for income loss and other social aids, temporary housing or reconstruction of secondary residences, and support for companies and post-fire measures.
The opposition also passed two resolutions from PCP and Livre, opposed by PSD and CDS-PP, and IL also voted against the communist initiative. The PCP recommends the government take measures to support those affected by the fires and settle outstanding invoices, while Livre advocates for measures concerning burned areas, specifically stabilization.
Regarding the impact of rural fires, another bill from Livre proposing to review the methodology for post-fire emergency stabilization actions was voted on. The bill, for instance, required assessing necessary actions within 15 days after a fire, was rejected, with PSD and CDS-PP voting against, and Chega and IL abstaining.
