The leader of Chega emphasized the need to enhance the operational framework of municipal police during a visit to the Sintra Municipal Police facilities in the Algueirão Mem-Martins district.
“It is necessary to strengthen the municipal police in the fight against crime. Visiting these facilities and others across the country is about assuring these men and women, as well as the citizens, that we will do everything to ensure they have conditions and structures that look after their security and tranquility,” asserted the presidential candidate.
André Ventura pledged that his party would pursue this enhancement after electing local officials across the country, such as in Sintra, where the executive led by Marco Almeida (PSD) includes councilors from Chega.
When asked about his potential actions in this area if elected President of the Republic, given his lack of executive powers like those of the Government, André Ventura stated he would veto “any laws that further diminish police powers” and encourage parliament “to approve laws granting the police more power and capacity to act.”
“This does not signify absolute discretion for the police. It means more power for the police to act,” he emphasized.
Ventura also criticized the bureaucracy involved in police procedures, arguing that “the police, when arresting someone, should not spend more time filling out paperwork at the station than the individual who is detained.”
During his visit to the Sintra Municipal Police and Surveillance Department, accompanied by deputy and councilor Rita Matias, André Ventura heard reports from police agents, such as an operation intended to inspect an illegal workshop that ended up discovering citizens illegally living in a garage rented for 550 euros.
Another concern for this department is the illegal occupation of buildings meant for accessible housing programs in the municipality. In this regard, the municipal police are installing alarms in certain homes to catch intruders red-handed.
Abandoned vehicles in public spaces and noise pollution are other challenges, with the visit leader stating that numerous noise complaints are received daily.
André Ventura observed a sound level meter, an instrument designed to measure decibels.
“In the parliament…,” joked deputy Rita Matias, with Ventura agreeing humorously: “It’s good that this doesn’t go to parliament.”
