Portalegre, Portugal
Latest news and stories from Alter do Chão.
General reassures the population by explaining that the use of live ammunition will be “very minimal” and that all objects launched into the firing range will be highly controlled.
The Portuguese Air Force's firing range facility is set to be relocated to the municipality of Alter do Chão.
The Air Force shooting range (Campo de Tiro) will move from Alcochete to Alter do Chão to allow for the construction of the new Lus de Cames Airport. Minister of National Defence Nuno Melo confirmed the relocation, which will bring 200 military personnel and their families to the Portalegre district. Residents in the new location have been assured that environmental safeguards and local agricultural activities will be maintained.
Nuno Melo is the president of CDS-PP (Centro Democrático e Social – Partido Popular), a Christian democratic party in Portugal. In the story he linked Chega's position to socialism, compared André Ventura to Donald Trump, and urged party members to vote 'in conscience' in the presidential runoff on the 8th, a stance that could affect centre‑right voters.
It will not be in Mértola, nor will it face opposition from the local authority. The Minister of Defence announced a potentially controversial decision, with the Mayor of Alter do Chão by his side, offering his support. Military chiefs guarantee environmental safeguards for the 7,500 hectares that the Air Force will be able to bomb, as well as the continuation of local agricultural and livestock activities in that area.
The Minister of Defence has not provided a date for the relocation but highlights the urgency of the move due to the new Lisbon international airport. The area will cover 7,500 hectares.
