Chega's Controversial Debate on Crime and Immigration in Lisbon

The Chega party in the Lisbon Municipal Assembly held a debate on "disturbances, riots, and insecurity in the city", during which they controversially linked the responsibility for certain crimes to immigrant citizens. This assertion prompted a warning from the president of the assembly, Rosário Farmhouse (PS).

The Incident

During the presentation, Bruno Mascarenhas, a Chega municipal deputy, displayed news images related to crimes in the city, including graphic photos of victims from a triple homicide in October at a barbershop in the Vale neighborhood. This display was condemned by assembly members as it constituted an offense.

Following backlash, Chega stated that the use of those images was an oversight, as they were meant to be filtered.

Opposition's Response

Members from BE, PCP, PEV, Livre, and two independents left the room, refusing to partake in a debate they deemed a manipulation of security issues. PCP's Pedro Frias criticized the debate as an attempt to exploit recent events, including a police shooting in Cova da Moura, to incite fear rather than facilitate a serious discussion on safety.

Chega's Claims and Reactions

Mascarenhas presented a narrative of fear in Lisbon, citing issues like homicides, drug trafficking, and vandalism, while calling for increased police presence. He was admonished by Farmhouse for implying that crime is linked to one's nationality. Another deputy, Rodrigo Mello Gonçalves from the Liberal Initiative (IL), condemned the preemptive judgments regarding the police shooting and emphasized the need for investigations.

Legislative Actions

The assembly passed a motion calling for the reinforcement of the PSP (Public Security Police) in Lisbon, urging the government to enhance police careers and restructure police station resources in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area.

Political Criticism

Deputy Luís Newton from PSD accused Chega of political dishonesty, suggesting they misled citizens about the safety issues in Lisbon, particularly regarding migrants. He stated there is no direct correlation between immigration and crime, a sentiment echoed by other members, including Miguel Coelho (PS), who called for a focus on behavior rather than ethnicity.

Conclusion of the Debate

As the debate concluded, Patrícia Robalo from Livre and Maria Escaja from BE protested against Chega's presentation, claiming it crossed all bounds of decency and attacked the essence of democracy.