Latest news and stories about decentralization in Portugal for expats and residents.
The National Association of Portuguese Municipalities (ANMP) considers that the mechanisms for monitoring and supervising decentralisation are insufficient. It proposes a commission with representation from the relevant ministries and the association.
The goal of the local officials is for a new law to reconcile “democratic representativeness with governability, stability, and accountability.” Regarding decentralization, the ANMP is requesting more resources.
The Minister of Economy and Territorial Cohesion considered that the organisation of the State must keep pace with the country's changes and defended the need to empower local government to respond to new challenges.
In 2013, Lisbon made a bold choice by transferring powers from the central municipal structure to local parishes. This was not merely an administrative shift, but a recognition that local issues are best resolved by those closest to the community. However, decentralisation faces the inertia of established municipal cultures that struggle to relinquish central control. The author argues that the second generation of decentralisation in Lisbon must move beyond simply delegating execution while keeping decision-making centralised. True decentralisation requires transferring trust and accepting that local entities may choose different, and potentially better, ways to manage their responsibilities, while maintaining accountability and transparency.
Luísa Salgueiro, mayor of Matosinhos, says the Government must resolve the situation by December and that the entire decentralisation process of social action to local authorities, which will have to manage 12 additional social benefits, could be at risk.
A critical commentary questioning whether the country's focus is truly on Portugal as a whole or disproportionately centered on the capital, Lisbon.
The Municipality of Viseu and the Authority for the Prevention and Combat of Violence in Sport (APCVD) are signing a loan agreement this Wednesday, August 5th, at 5:00 PM, to provide municipal facilities to the government body. Present in Viseu since July 2019, the APCVD will now have a permanent headquarters in the city, maintaining its decentralised status outside the Lisbon and Porto football hubs. The ceremony will be attended by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Margarida Balseiro Lopes, the Mayor of Viseu, João Azevedo, and the President of the APCVD, Rodrigo Cavaleiro. Mayor Azevedo highlighted the benefits of having a national service in the old town, which will bring around 40 workers to the area and free up space in the Vissaium XXI incubator for new technology companies. The APCVD is responsible for preventing and monitoring compliance with legal regulations regarding safety and combating racism, xenophobia, and intolerance in sports events.
Young people believe that centralism has contributed to persistent territorial imbalances, concentration of investment and opportunities, and that decentralisation should not be seen as a threat.
The Government transferred the management of 21 unused or vacant public properties to 16 municipalities this Tuesday. With an investment of 16 million euros, these will be transformed into social housing, museum spaces, tourist accommodation, or sports facilities. As part of the decentralisation process, 64 local authorities have already received properties over the last two years.
The Portuguese State has transferred the management of 21 properties to 16 municipalities, bringing the total to 95 buildings handed over since October 2024. This initiative, involving 71 agreements with 64 municipalities and an investment of approximately 80 million euros, aims to decentralize public asset management. Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Miguel Pinto Luz, described the move as part of a reformist agenda to put public property at the service of citizens, rather than keeping it under the central management of the state-owned company Estamo. The government plans to continue this process, having already inventoried nearly 70,000 state-owned properties.
In a debate featuring initiatives from the PCP, PS, Livre, and JPP, the right blocked the proposals and the left was divided. Paulo Raimundo accuses the parties of decades of obstruction, while the PSD argues that decentralisation is already underway.
In a thematic motion to be presented at the Congress, a group of PSD MEPs argues that municipalities should be able to bid to host State entities. The MEPs warn of the need for Portugal to reduce its dependence on EU funds and advocate for greater democratisation in accessing 'future' funds.
Despite highlighting the “social and economic dynamics” of the municipality and “the population growth and technological development”, Pedro Ferreira stated he left Lagoa “deeply concerned”.
The article argues that Portugal requires stronger local governance and decentralization rather than symbolic political visits.
Luís Montenegro considers that the PTRR will be vital for the reconstruction of affected areas, developing the capacity for planning and prevention of phenomena.
The majority of headteachers evaluate communication and collaboration with the municipality positively. However, they point the finger at the human resources management carried out by local authorities.
Manuel Castro Almeida admitted that there is a “large dose of uncertainty regarding the funding of education”.
Funding allocated to non-teaching staff is insufficient according to the ordinance that defines the ratio of employees in schools.
Municipalities have been increasing the number of non-teaching staff by using their own revenues.
The future of the country is built with closer public policies, more agile decisions, and greater local responsibility. It is built with more local power and less centralism.
We must better consider whether the State, which is too centralised, is detrimental to the prosperity of the population and the country's economic development.
A conference in Porto brought together several experts to debate the costs of “centralism” on cohesion and economic development. Minister Castro Almeida says that changes to the CCDR help in that fight.
The mayor of Porto demands compensation for the 'neglect' of the region by the central government, which he considers an 'enemy' of equal opportunities and the development of social justice.
The article discusses recent announcements by Portugal's Minister of Health, Ana Paula Martins, regarding the decentralization of healthcare services. In March, three new regional emergency units for obstetrics and gynecology will open, located near Lisbon, coinciding with the closure of similar services in Barreiro. The initiative aims to improve healthcare access, but it has not convinced many doctors and nurses, raising concerns about the effectiveness of these changes. Additionally, there are plans for private management of health centers later this year.
After the management of European funds 'cannibalised' the work of these bodies, the Government wants them to regain the momentum to plan 'regional development' with five new deputy positions.
