PSD Portimão regrets that PS announces security reinforcement that it rejected half a year ago

PSD Portimão notes, «with natural satisfaction», the recent announcements made by the City Council executive regarding the arrival of 26 Public Security Police ( PSP ) officers to the municipality

In a note sent to newsrooms, PSD Portimão recalls that it was the party that «in recent days, months and in this term, has unequivocally warned of the need to reinforce security resources in the municipality and to locally articulate solid strategies with the security forces».

In October 2024, «anticipating signs of unrest among residents and tourists», PSD councillors Rui André and Ana Fazenda presented «a concrete and responsible proposal at a Council meeting to carry out a prospective study on the feeling of insecurity in Portimão», involving the Municipal Security Council.

According to the note, "this proposal aimed to assess the real feeling of insecurity experienced by residents and tourists; identify the factors that fuel this perception; propose effective and sustained measures and, finally, create a solid data base to pressure the central government to reinforce resources on the ground."

However, the Social Democrats regret that “unfortunately, this proposal was rejected by the Socialist Party executive, already led by President Álvaro Bila, demonstrating a lack of vision and sensitivity towards an issue that directly affects the quality of life of the people of Portimão and the image of Portimão as a safe and quality tourist destination.

Now, “the same PS led by candidate Álvaro Bila reacts and congratulates what it rejected half a year ago”.

The PSD also states that it has “always maintained that security cannot be addressed solely with reactive measures or temporary fixes. Security cannot be guaranteed solely with formal crime statistics — it is necessary to consider social and economic factors and the real perception of the population. Therefore, we also advocate structural measures, such as the creation of a Municipal Police, an instrument already successfully implemented in many other municipalities, to reinforce the presence on the ground and act in a coordinated manner.”

Therefore, “if these recent decisions represent the beginning of a new cycle of attention and action on the part of the City Council, we can only follow them, albeit belatedly”.

But, “naturally, we are attentive. Because leading is not just reacting when the public debate heats up. Leading is anticipating, planning and executing. It is ensuring that good decisions do not depend on the heat of the moment or media pressure, but are the result of a consistent vision and an ongoing commitment to the people of Portimão.”

“These are signs that our proposals — public, clear and responsible — are helping to put essential issues for the city on the agenda.”

Finally, in the note, the PSD praises the support for the local sports emblem, announced by the socialist executive, recalling that «Portimonense Sporting Clube represents a historical, emotional and identity symbol of our city after winning the district football championship and promotion to the National Championship. We recognize that, after some visible neglect, the municipality has finally given due prominence to this club that takes the name of Portimão further and that deserves to be supported and cherished by those who govern».