In statements today before meeting with the Braga District Command of the PSP, Rui Rocha maintained that Braga “is still a safe city,” despite some indications otherwise.
“There are starting to be some data indicating more violent criminal activity, some types of more sophisticated criminal associations, and therefore, as those responsible for the city council, we need to be concerned and look to the future, ensuring that the city remains as safe as it is today and, if possible, enhancing security, as it is important for the people of Braga,” emphasized the former leader of IL.
Regarding security proposals concerning the PSP and GNR, which are “managed by the central state,” IL’s candidate for the municipal elections on October 12 pledged to adopt a demanding stance with the authorities.
“Whether concerning conditions and facilities or resources and human capital, we will be very demanding with the Government regarding the PSP and GNR,” stated Rui Rocha.
As for effective proposals for city security, the IL’s lead candidate focuses on the Municipal Police, where the council has “capacity to intervene.”
“Specifically, we propose a doubling of the operational staff of the Municipal Police, a Municipal Police that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, and a new Municipal Police post near the University of Minho,” explained Rui Rocha.
According to the municipality, the Municipal Police consists of 66 officers.
The former IL leader added that he does not want “a Municipal Police focused solely on regulations and traffic.”
“We want a Municipal Police that reinterprets its role and is very focused on being a proximity and presence police, as the mere presence of a Municipal Police officer can prevent some type of crime and disturbance of order,” advocated the IL’s lead candidate.
The municipal executive of Braga is currently composed of six elected members from the coalition Juntos por Braga (PSD/CDS-PP/PPM), four from the PS, and one from the CDU.
Competing for the leadership of the Braga City Council are João Rodrigues (Juntos por Braga – PSD/CDS-PP/PPM), António Braga (Somos Braga – PS/PAN), Filipe Aguiar (Chega), Rui Rocha (IL), Ricardo Silva (independent movement Amar e Servir Braga), João Baptista (CDU, coalition of PCP and Os Verdes), António Lima (BE), Carlos Fragoso (Livre), Francisco Pimentel Torres (ADN), and Hugo Varanda (MPT).
