Summary:
Decree-Law No. 117/2024 allows reclassification of rural lands for construction.
Promulgated by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on December 26.
Political parties are calling for a parliamentary review to revoke the law.
Concerns over speculation and abuse of rural land are rising.
The law may significantly impact urban planning and environmental protection.
New Legislation on Land Use
On the eve of the new year, the Portuguese Government published the Decree-Law No. 117/2024 in the Diário da República, which modifies the Legal Framework for Territorial Management Instruments. This new law allows for the reclassification of rural lands to facilitate construction, contingent upon municipal approval.
The decree was promulgated by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on December 26, albeit with some reservations. This significant change has sparked reactions from various political parties, including the Left Bloc (BE), Portuguese Communist Party (PCP), Livre, and People-Animals-Nature (PAN), who have called for parliamentary review in an attempt to revoke the law.
Key Concerns and Reactions
Critics are worried that this law could lead to speculation and potential abuse of rural land, fundamentally altering the landscape of urban planning and environmental protection in Portugal. The implications of this policy are profound, as it may pave the way for increased construction in areas previously designated as non-urban, raising concerns among environmentalists and local communities.
Public discourse is expected to intensify as stakeholders assess the impact of this law on Portugal’s urban environment and rural integrity.
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