Portugal's Government Pledges Swift Support Amid Wildfire Crisis, Vows to Cut Red Tape

Government's Commitment to Support

The Minister of Territorial Cohesion, Manuel Castro Almeida, acknowledges that bureaucracy can be the greatest complication in providing support to communities and businesses affected by the recent wildfires. He assures that these processes will be limited to the "minimum necessary" to prevent abuse and fraud. In an interview with RTP, Almeida emphasizes that the government aims to assist those who are in "survival risk" with the help of local authorities.

Minister Manuel Castro Almeida in Albergaria-a-Velha during the wildfire on September 17, 2024. Photo: António Antunes - RTP

Urgent Assistance for Affected Individuals

Following a week marked by devastating forest fires that destroyed homes and businesses, Almeida spoke on the RTP Afternoon News about the support that will be extended to those most impacted. He highlighted that the assessment of damage is ongoing and is expected to be "almost ready" by next week. Although he did not specify the exact percentage of support, he noted that the "85% support" discussed earlier refers to primary residences.

However, the government will determine which activities to support and the financial volume only after a complete assessment is done, prioritizing assistance for those facing "survival risk" due to loss of homes and food.

Support for Farmers and Businesses

He cited examples such as farmers who have "lost animals and crops" and emphasized the need for relevant support to help them resume economic activities. Assistance for businesses is expected to come from European funds, national funds, and Bank of Fomento credit lines.

Tackling Bureaucracy

Almeida described bureaucracy as "the biggest complication" in this support process, emphasizing the government's commitment to minimizing it. "We will make a great effort to avoid bureaucracy as much as possible. It must be kept to a minimum to prevent abuse and fraud," he stated.

He also suggested alternatives for document requirements, saying, "When there are no papers, we need to collect witness evidence, duly signed, recorded, and photographed. We will not be fixated on paperwork." Almeida has consistently criticized the bureaucratic tendencies of the public administration, advocating for a shift towards trust in local authorities.

Investigating Fire Origins

Additionally, Almeida addressed recent comments from the Prime Minister regarding potential "interests hovering" over the occurrence of the fires. He reported that during his visits, many local leaders expressed "unease and surprise" at the numerous fires starting at night.

The Minister remarked that "150 fires in the same region at night implies some concerted action. This is not nature acting spontaneously," prompting the government to create a specialized technical group to investigate the origins of these fires and determine if any organized crime is involved.

"It would be unacceptable to remain idle in the face of public suspicion. The government's obligation is to investigate whether these claims are true," Almeida concluded.

In response to concerns about social agitation stemming from these statements, he noted that "such suspicion already exists" and that it was not the Prime Minister's words that created it.