Lisbon's Waste Management Crisis: A Political Blame Game Unfolds

Ongoing Waste Management Issues in Lisbon

The waste management situation in Lisbon was once again a hot topic in the Municipal Assembly, where political parties unanimously acknowledged the problems but clashed over who is to blame. This has been described as a 'blame game', particularly between the Socialist Party (PS) and the Social Democratic Party (PSD).

Discussion Initiated by Livre

At the behest of the Livre party, the Assembly discussed the current state of waste management and urban hygiene in Lisbon. A recommendation was passed for the city council to present the Action Plan of the Urban Solid Waste Strategic Plan for Lisbon 2030 (PAPERSU 2030) by the end of the year.

Political Tensions Surrounding Waste Management

Luis Newton, the leader of the PSD municipal group, criticized the debate as a coordinated action by the left ahead of the 2025 local elections. He highlighted that while the Livre initiated the proposal, the PS launched an outdoor campaign criticizing the current management under Carlos Moedas of the PSD.

Historical Context and Current Challenges

Newton dismissed myths suggesting that the administrative reform of Lisbon reduced waste collection capacity, asserting that issues existed even under socialist governance. He emphasized that 'the problems are everyone's responsibility' and called for PS to be part of the solution, advocating for operational model reforms and technological enhancements in waste management.

Visual Evidence of the Crisis

Carla Madeira, a PS municipal deputy, showcased photos of accumulated waste across Lisbon's 24 parishes, stating that the situation has worsened since 2022. She noted a slight reduction in urban waste from 327,000 tons in 2019 to 314,000 tons in 2023, yet issues remain.

Call for Clarity and Reform

Critics from multiple parties, including PCP and PEV, reiterated their opposition to the 2012 administrative reform, which created 25 entities responsible for waste management. They called for clear accountability and suggested various solutions, including an external audit and the establishment of a municipal waste management company.

Responses from Municipal Authorities

In response, Ângelo Pereira, the Urban Hygiene councilor from PSD, presented historical photos of waste accumulation during the PS administration from 2018 to 2021, asserting that the problem is long-standing and requires collaboration from all parties to resolve. He highlighted improvements in service performance and increased investment in waste management resources from 2019 to 2023.

The ongoing debate reflects a significant challenge for Lisbon's local governance, with various parties pointing fingers while the city grapples with a pressing waste management crisis.