The completion of the last section of the EN-14 variant, connecting Maia, Trofa, and Vila Nova de Famalicão, was marked by Miguel Pinto Luz highlighting the implementation of the PRR as a “national objective”.
He stated confidently, “As far as the Government is concerned, we assure the Portuguese people that we continue to believe it is possible and the PRR will be completed as defined.”
Regarding housing, the minister noted that over 30% of the investments in the PRR have been executed, resulting in the construction of more than 12,000 houses.
He expressed conviction that the target of 26,000 homes will be met as well.
Pinto Luz emphasized the need for Portugal to speed up decision-making and implementation on the ground.
“This [EN-14 variant] is a long story, almost 35 years, illustrating the prolonged time this country takes to make decisions, followed by lengthy execution periods. It is a country that takes considerable time to decide,” he reiterated.
He added that taking 35 years to complete a project “so important and essential” like the EN-14 variant is unacceptable.
“We are discussing two municipalities [Famalicão and Trofa] that are central to the national gross value-added production. Famalicão ranks as the third most exporting municipality in the country, making it an essential infrastructure to reduce time and enhance the flow of goods in the real economy,” he continued.
Today, the final section of the EN-14 variant was inaugurated. The project, costing 12.5 million euros, spans 2.4 kilometers, including a new bridge over the Ave River, linking Trofa and Famalicão.
In his speech, Pinto Luz described infrastructures as the “vascular tissue” essential for economic growth and “territorial justice”.
