The Socialist Party (PS) parliamentary group in the Azores has expressed regret and condemnation over the rejection by the majority coalition of PSD/CDS-PP/PPM and Chega of a request for an urgent hearing with the regional secretary of Youth, Housing, and Employment and the regional director of Housing. This decision came during a General Policy Commission meeting held in Ponta Delgada, according to a statement from the socialist bench.
The case concerns public statements made by the regional director of Housing regarding public support for local accommodation investments, which Daniel Pavão believes should be reviewed as they are limiting housing access for less privileged classes.
“This request aimed to obtain clarifications on the public statements by the regional director of Housing, who acknowledged that government incentives for local accommodation worsen the housing crisis by contributing to increased evictions and lack of housing supply at prices compatible with the income of Azoreans,” stated PS.
During the voting on the request, deputies from PSD, CDS-PP, and Chega, who are part of the commission, voted against it without providing any justification, thereby blocking parliamentary scrutiny of the issue.
“This is a block to transparency and the centrality of parliament and an attempt to silence a crucial debate for thousands of families who cannot access decent housing,” the socialist statement declared.
The PS criticized Chega for its “inconsistency” on this issue, recalling that the party recently brought an urgent housing debate to the Regional Assembly.
“They speak loudly, presenting themselves as crusaders and defenders of integrity, but quietly they align with the coalition’s misconduct, even in matters that profoundly affect people’s lives,” the press release added, referring to Chega’s regional parliament bench.
The attitude of Chega deputies and the parties supporting the coalition Regional Government (PSD, CDS-PP, and PPM) is also perceived by the socialists as an “unacceptable” attempt to “avoid debate.”
