Can Christian Democracy Revive the Algarve? A Bold Plan for Economic Diversification

Alexandre Guedes Silva – CDS-PP ALGARVE

The Algarve, blessed with sun, sea, and one of Portugal's richest cultural heritages, enters 2025 as a standout region nationally: it's one of the country's strongest economies, driven by a robust tourism sector and undeniable business dynamism. However, like any territory where apparent success hides structural weaknesses, Algarvians feel the effects of an unbalanced economy highly dependent on a single sector.

The excessive economic concentration in tourism—vulnerable to pandemics, global conflicts, and extreme weather—threatens the stability of families, communities, and local authorities. As Adriano Moreira said, true development is only worthy of the name if it "serves the dignity of the human person and ensures the common good of present and future generations."

In this context, the role of Christian Democratic candidates integrated into the Democratic Alliance (PSD/CDS) lists in the 2025 local elections gains particular importance. They bring to the local debate a perspective anchored in tradition, the ethics of public service, and the social doctrine of the Church, ensuring that the values of solidarity, subsidiarity, and human dignity are more than words—they are guiding principles for concrete policies in every town hall, municipal assembly, and parish assembly meeting.

The Algarve Needs a New Root: Regenerative Agriculture

Faced with the known diagnosis—vulnerable economy, depopulated interior, unmotivated youth, and aging communities—we propose a structural solution, rooted in the territory and inspired by the Christian Democratic matrix: the "AgroAlgarve 2030" program.

This simple yet ambitious proposal advocates for the revitalization of local and family agriculture, integrated with technological innovation, environmental sustainability, and community development. More than an economic plan, it's a civilizational project that affirms progress must respect the land, memory, and the person.

AgroAlgarve 2030: 5 Axes to Regenerate the Algarve from the Inside Out

1. Family and Agroecological Agriculture

Technical and financial support for family farms adopting sustainable practices, with priority for young farmers and organic agriculture.

2. Local Agro-Food Processing Centers

Creation of small decentralized units to transform agricultural products into preserves, jams, olive oils, wines, honey, and aromatic herbs—promoting short value chains based on regional identity.

3. Short Circuits Between Producers and Institutions

Establishment of partnerships between schools, IPSS (private social solidarity institutions), hospitals, and local producers so that food reaching the tables of the most vulnerable is healthy, local, and sustainable.

4. Training and Technological Innovation in the Primary Sector

Technical and technological training courses at the University of Algarve, Faro and Portimão campuses, and vocational schools, empowering a new generation of innovative farmers with mastery of drones, irrigation sensors, and quality certifications.

5. Rural and Cultural Tourism as a Complement

Promotion of agritourism, gastronomic experiences, and interpretive trails linked to natural and agricultural heritage, strengthening the connection between visitors and the territory.

The Christian Democratic Brand in AD Lists: A Guarantee of Commitment to the Common Good

The "AgroAlgarve 2030" program will not just be a planning exercise if the elected AD members who profess Christian Democratic principles have an active voice in local government bodies. This is precisely their added value: ensuring that every investment, each municipal master plan, and every decision on land use or business funding is guided by the logic of the common good and integral ecology, as Pope Francis reminds us.

While others limit themselves to thinking in four-year terms, Christian Democratic local leaders think in generations. While some get lost in clientelism or ideologies, these place the dignity of the person and the centrality of the family at the heart of local politics.

The presence of Christian Democratic local leaders in the various coalitions of the Democratic Alliance - AD is the best guarantee that the interior Algarve will not be forgotten, that the farmers of Alte, the beekeepers of Monchique, and the shepherds of Serra do Caldeirão will have someone to listen to and defend them.

Shared Diagnosis, Solutions Yet to Be Realized

All candidacies recognize that the Algarve must diversify its economic base. It's in the diagnoses, regional strategies, and European programs. But only with political will sustained by values and long-term vision will it be possible to turn these plans into lasting realities.

To date, none of the main competing candidacies—from PS or CHEGA—have presented a specific and structured program for agricultural regeneration and integrated rural development. The proposal presented here represents an opportunity for the Democratic Alliance to stand out: not just by criticizing the past, but by the ability to offer realistic hope rooted in Christian values.

A Proximity Policy Based on Subsidiarity

The Social Doctrine of the Church teaches us that decisions should be made at the level closest to citizens. Therefore, the role of parishes is essential: they know the abandoned lands, the isolated elderly, the families who want to return to the countryside but don't know where to start.

Christian Democratic elected officials in parish assemblies can lead this change: rehabilitating vacant lands, encouraging community gardens, promoting local product fairs, organizing technical support networks for small farmers.

As Paulo Portas said, "there are values that never go out of fashion: honesty, competence, and service." And that's what the Christian Democratic presence in AD lists guarantees: consistent values at the service of real people.

More Than Protest, It's Time for Proposal

In a time when many surrender to populist noise or apathy, Christian Democratic local leaders bring a proposal of seriousness, common sense, and public service. They don't promise miracles, but they assume commitments. They don't follow fads, but remain faithful to eternal principles.

The Algarve needs fewer slogans and more vision. Less dependency and more productive autonomy. Less concrete construction and more investment in fertile land.

This proposal is not just agricultural. It's cultural, social, and spiritual. It's a call for the Algarve to reconnect with its own soul. As the Algarvian poet António Aleixo said, with simple wisdom:

"For a lie to be secure / and achieve depth / it must mix in / something of truth."

It's time to restore to Algarvian politics the truth of the land, the dignity of work, and the hope of faith. Christian Democratic local leaders in AD lists or inspired by AD are ready for this. Let's give them voice, support, and trust.