José Luís Carneiro stressed the importance of exercising caution regarding Civil Protection matters, urging the Government to wait for the independent technical commission’s findings before making any adjustments. This statement was made while talking to journalists in Ribeira de Pena, Vila Real, during the presentation of the local mayor João Noronha’s bid for a third term.
Secretary of State for Civil Protection, Rui Rocha, announced plans to present a revised organic law for the National Authority for Emergency and Civil Protection (ANEPC) by the end of the year, with implementation set for the following year.
Carneiro, a former Minister of Internal Administration under António Costa’s PS Government, emphasized that altering the Civil Protection system requires broad political consensus and advised waiting for the independent commission’s recommendations. When asked about the potential shift from sub-regional to district commands, he suggested it might reflect a desire to return to earlier administrative structures.
Highlighting the past abolition of civil governance structures, Carneiro noted that current regional planning is built on regional and sub-regional frameworks, urging the Government to avoid hasty decisions in response to long-standing pressures.
The PS Secretary-General also referred to significant fire crises in 2003, 2005, and 2017, noting the system established post-2017 has received recognition both nationally and internationally.
Rui Rocha assured that the Government will evaluate shortcomings and make necessary corrections over time.
Mainland Portugal has experienced severe rural fires since July, particularly in the North and Center regions. These fires resulted in four deaths, including a firefighter, several injuries, and the destruction of several residences and agricultural establishments.
Provisional official data indicated approximately 252,000 hectares burned by August 29.
