The leader of the Chega party has criticized the Prime Minister for failing to activate European mechanisms to address the severe storms that have caused significant damage in Portugal, questioning the government's response to public safety during this crisis.

The European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, visited flood-affected areas in Portugal and confirmed that the European Commission will provide urgent support this year. However, he acknowledged that the 450 million euros from the agricultural reserve are insufficient to cover the extensive damages caused by the floods. Hansen indicated that alternative funding mechanisms may need to be considered, as other European regions are also facing severe weather challenges. He reassured farmers that they will continue to receive subsidies from the Common Agricultural Policy despite production losses and emphasized the importance of protecting Portugal's agricultural output for European food security.

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has proposed discussions on establishing a disaster fund in Portugal to address damages from increasing natural disasters, such as recent floods. During a visit to the flooded area of Alcácer do Sal, he highlighted the need for financial relief for businesses affected by such calamities, especially those without insurance. He noted that similar funds exist in the European Union and emphasized the opportunity presented by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) to support this initiative.

A week after severe weather conditions, over 200,000 people remain without power, and the European Civil Protection Plan has not been activated. The government has extended the state of calamity until February 8 to address the adverse weather expected from depression Leonardo, which will bring heavy rain, snow, strong winds, and rough seas to mainland Portugal.

PS secretary-general Carneiro has challenged the Government to activate the European Civil Protection Mechanism immediately after Storm Kristin, sending Luís Montenegro a programme of measures to address the impacts. Civil Protection experts concede a late assessment of the disaster’s scale but say Portugal has not yet exhausted national response capacity; the question of requesting generators from abroad remains under study. Other centre-left parties, including the PCP of Santarém, describe government measures as too late and insufficient, warning that a disaster of this magnitude cannot be left to the goodwill of local communities alone.

PS secretary-general Carneiro has challenged the Government to activate the European Civil Protection Mechanism immediately after Storm Kristin, sending Luís Montenegro a programme of measures to address the impacts. Civil Protection experts concede a late assessment of the disaster’s scale but say Portugal has not yet exhausted national response capacity; the question of requesting generators from abroad remains under study. Other centre-left parties, including the PCP of Santarém, describe government measures as too late and insufficient, warning that a disaster of this magnitude cannot be left to the goodwill of local communities alone.