Is Lisbon Becoming More Dangerous? Carlos Moedas Raises Alarm Over Rising Crime Rates
Observador6 months ago
951

Is Lisbon Becoming More Dangerous? Carlos Moedas Raises Alarm Over Rising Crime Rates

Society
lisbon
crime
politics
publicsafety
immigration
Share this content:

Summary:

  • Carlos Moedas claims there has been more violence and crime in Lisbon, raising public concerns.

  • Contradictory data shows a 13.97% decrease in crime across the Lisbon district in early 2024.

  • Moedas states there is insufficient police presence, asking for 200 more officers from the government.

  • He criticized political demonization of security operations and emphasized the need for a non-political approach to policing.

  • Moedas rejected the link between immigration and crime, labeling such claims as populism.

Rising Concerns in Lisbon

The President of Lisbon, Carlos Moedas, has expressed deep concerns regarding the increase in violence and crime in the Portuguese capital. In a recent interview with the Diário de Notícias, he stated, "Today, there are more violent crimes in the city, and people are worried."

Despite these claims, Moedas did not provide any evidence to support his statements. In contrast, the Metropolitan Command of Lisbon reported a 13.97% decrease in overall crime in the first half of 2024 across the nine municipalities of the Lisbon district. Specifically, crime rates in the Baixa district also showed a decline when comparing the first half of last year with the same period in 2023, indicating that both general crime and violent crime had decreased.

Signs of Insecurity

In his interview, Moedas highlighted what he described as "signs of insecurity" in a city he also referred to as "one of the safest capitals in the world". He emphasized that the lack of police presence is evident, stating, "Yes, it is a safe city, but we must be very careful not to stop being one. The signs I have seen in recent years are signs of insecurity."

Call for More Policing

Moedas criticized the current and previous governments, claiming, "There is little police in Lisbon." He mentioned having 400 municipal police officers but expressed a desire for 600, having requested 200 additional officers from both the former and current governments, only to receive 25. The PSP (Public Security Police) previously denied the claims of inadequate visibility and preventive policing.

Security Operations and Immigration Concerns

During the interview, Moedas refrained from discussing specific security operations, such as the one in Martim Moniz, stating that "no one did anything different from what had been done before". He accused the Socialist Party of demonizing security actions while emphasizing that all political leaders have undertaken similar security measures.

When questioned about the far-right political leaders linking increased insecurity to immigration, Moedas rejected such associations as "populism", arguing, "Discussing immigration is one thing; discussing security is another, and there is no link between the two topics." He pointed out that crime can involve individuals from various backgrounds, reinforcing that no group is perfect.

Comments

0

Join Our Community

Sign up to share your thoughts, engage with others, and become part of our growing community.

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts and start the conversation!

Newsletter

Subscribe our newsletter to receive our daily digested news

Join our newsletter and get the latest updates delivered straight to your inbox.

OR
PortugalToday.news logo

PortugalToday.news

Get PortugalToday.news on your phone!

Other Latest News

Sócrates to Testify While Still Attempting to Halt Trial - A Legal Battle Continues

Sócrates to Testify While Still Attempting to Halt Trial - A Legal Battle Continues

15 minutes ago
830
Lisbon City Council Denies Neglect of Marvila, Highlights €124.5 Million Investment

Lisbon City Council Denies Neglect of Marvila, Highlights €124.5 Million Investment

6 hours ago
950
Dramatic Last-Minute Equalizer Keeps Portugal's Women's Euro Dreams Alive Against Italy

Dramatic Last-Minute Equalizer Keeps Portugal's Women's Euro Dreams Alive Against Italy

7 hours ago
840
José Sócrates' European Court Gambit to Halt Marquês Operation Trial Likely to Fail

José Sócrates' European Court Gambit to Halt Marquês Operation Trial Likely to Fail

5 hours ago
920
Daring Escape: Two Inmates Flee High-Security Prison in Alcoentre Using Rope

Daring Escape: Two Inmates Flee High-Security Prison in Alcoentre Using Rope

4 hours ago
900
Outrage as Chega Party Exposes Names of Immigrant Children in Parliament

Outrage as Chega Party Exposes Names of Immigrant Children in Parliament

3 hours ago
960
The Nightmare of Misericórdia: Residents Suffer as Lisbon's Nightlife Spirals Out of Control

The Nightmare of Misericórdia: Residents Suffer as Lisbon's Nightlife Spirals Out of Control

10 hours ago
990
Defense Minister Nuno Melo Challenges Health Ministry's Account on Air Rescue Timeline

Defense Minister Nuno Melo Challenges Health Ministry's Account on Air Rescue Timeline

11 hours ago
920
Air Force Helicopter Waits with Engines Off for Patient in Critical Transfer from Covilhã to Coimbra

Air Force Helicopter Waits with Engines Off for Patient in Critical Transfer from Covilhã to Coimbra

12 hours ago
920
Medicinal Cannabis Business Used as Front for Drug Trafficking in Mação

Medicinal Cannabis Business Used as Front for Drug Trafficking in Mação

13 hours ago
1060
Lisbon Parents Unite Against Chega's Naming of Minors in Public Outcry

Lisbon Parents Unite Against Chega's Naming of Minors in Public Outcry

14 hours ago
1010
EU and US on the Brink of Historic Trade Deal with Tariffs Under 10%

EU and US on the Brink of Historic Trade Deal with Tariffs Under 10%

18 hours ago
920
Exclusive: Bristol City FC Kicks Off Pre-Season in Portugal with Stunning Gallery

Exclusive: Bristol City FC Kicks Off Pre-Season in Portugal with Stunning Gallery

19 hours ago
880
Sócrates Seeks to Halt Trial by Appealing to European Court of Justice

Sócrates Seeks to Halt Trial by Appealing to European Court of Justice

17 hours ago
1000
Did the Romans Invent Carnival? Discover Lisbon's Ancient Secrets in the Lisboa.BR Podcast 🎧

Did the Romans Invent Carnival? Discover Lisbon's Ancient Secrets in the Lisboa.BR Podcast 🎧

15 hours ago
980
Citizens' Assembly: How Does It Work, Who Votes, and Who Can Be Elected?

Citizens' Assembly: How Does It Work, Who Votes, and Who Can Be Elected?

16 hours ago
990
Exploring the Intersection of Theater and Technology: Jorge Jácome's Cosmic Sans

Exploring the Intersection of Theater and Technology: Jorge Jácome's Cosmic Sans

23 hours ago
830
Emergency Medical Transfer Nightmare: Patient Stranded for 5+ Hours Due to Oversized Air Force Helicopter

Emergency Medical Transfer Nightmare: Patient Stranded for 5+ Hours Due to Oversized Air Force Helicopter

1 day ago
1100