Paulo Raimundo has criticized the recurrent alliances formed by PSD, PS, and CDS that have led to the current state of affairs, pointing specifically to the newly emerged Chega and Liberal Initiative parties as a result of these pacts. Speaking at a regional lunch organized by CDU/Portalegre in the Crato Fire Brigade hall, the PCP leader condemned the government’s decision to cut “114 million euros” from the forestry sector in 2024.
“The country, as I stated, doesn’t need pacts like the one that removed 114 million euros from forest support last year, hence the current crocodile tears,” Raimundo remarked.
“Last year they slashed 114 million euros in forest support and now they cry crocodile tears because the forest is burning; thank you, but this isn’t the way forward. The country doesn’t need these pacts; it needs courage, determination, and policies that preserve our interests, our national interests,” he added.
Raimundo argued that the country is “hanging by a thread” because “it is burning.”
“Just recently, the government announced measures concerning the fire issue, and we can say it’s more of the same—repeated measures with no new solutions,” he lamented.
Throughout his speech, Raimundo urged voting for CDU in municipal elections and highlighted how Portuguese citizens are living “difficult lives,” listing problems related to housing, education, job insecurity, pensions, and inflation.
Since July, mainland Portugal has been affected by several large-scale rural fires, particularly in the North and Centre regions.
The fires have caused four fatalities, including one firefighter, resulted in numerous injuries—some severe—and have completely or partially destroyed primary and secondary residences, as well as agricultural and livestock operations alongside forest areas.
Portugal has activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism, which provides access to two Fire Boss aircraft, a Super Puma helicopter, and two Canadair planes.
According to provisional official data, approximately 250,000 hectares have burned as of August 23, with over 57,000 hectares consumed by the blaze that started in Arganil.
