Summary:
The Municipal Plan for Migrant Integration will be presented in January 2025.
Sofia Athayde emphasized the plan's enrichment through necessary adjustments.
Previous commitments to present the plan by the end of 2023 were not met.
Current integration policies remain effective until the new plan is implemented.
Financial support for homeless organizations is a major concern, with recent approvals for continued aid.
Lisbon's Delayed Integration Plan
The Lisbon City Council has announced that the new Municipal Plan for Migrant Integration will now be presented in January 2025. This decision was communicated by Sofia Athayde, the Social Rights Councilor, during a public meeting of the municipal executive.
“There were necessary adjustments to be made, and a collaborative effort led to a significantly enriched final document. I can guarantee that in January, this new plan will be a source of pride for all,” stated Athayde, representing the CDS-PP party.
Background and Revision Process
Athayde explained that the plan's revision was finalized in collaboration with the IGOT (Institute of Geography and Spatial Planning) from the University of Lisbon. The process was described as technical and fruitful, involving various sector entities.
The announcement comes after earlier commitments by the municipal executive to present the plan by the end of 2023, with a specific date of December 4 recently mentioned but not met. Floresbela Pinto, a councilor from the Citizens for Lisbon party, criticized the current administration for delays, suggesting they are “pushing it down the road.”
Current Integration Policy
As of February 2023, the previous plan, PMIML 2020-2022, remains in effect until the new plan is implemented, which is aimed at the period 2023-2025. This plan serves as a critical planning instrument for municipal policies regarding migrant integration.
During the public meeting, Pinto raised concerns about financial support delays for associations working with the homeless, emphasizing the risks to their sustainability. In response, Athayde announced that four financial support proposals were approved for organizations aiding the homeless, ensuring that their services would continue to be delivered with dignity and quality.
Council Composition
The Lisbon City Council consists of 17 members, with seven from the “New Times” coalition (PSD/CDS-PP/MPT/PPM/Aliança) holding the only assigned portfolios, while the rest represent various political parties, including PS, PCP, and BE.
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