Upcoming Restoration of Parishes in Portugal
On January 17, 2025, a crucial vote will take place regarding a government proposal that aims to restore 302 parishes across continental Portugal. This initiative stems from 132 unions formed back in 2013. Initially, the list comprised 295 parishes, but recent amendments have added seven more.
Consult the list below to see if your parish is among those undergoing changes. The table and map are based on the draft law, which has received the backing of six political parties, ensuring its passage.
Potential for Expansion
The list could expand further due to proposals from other parties, including the PCP, which submitted a suggestion this week.
The initial list from December 2024 was revised after new documentation emerged in parliament, prompting parties to reconsider previously rejected projects. The legislation outlining the rules for parish separation and the establishment of new parishes has already been submitted to parliament, backed by the leaders of the PSD, PS, PCP, BE, Livre, and PAN.
Transitional Regime
According to the proposed regulations, a transitional regime will ensure the functional continuity of the representative bodies of the parishes, which will be dissolved following the 2025 local elections.
Most of the disaggregated parishes are located in rural municipalities, while urban centers like Lisbon and Porto will not experience any changes. However, all districts, except Bragança, will see a new configuration in their parish councils by 2025, following the local elections this year.
Areas of Significant Change
The Area Metropolitana do Porto will witness a concentration of new parishes, even though the city itself remains unaffected. Notably, Vila Nova de Gaia will see the most changes, with 16 parishes reverting to their 2013 configuration. Other municipalities facing significant alterations include:
- Santa Maria da Feira (11)
- Matosinhos (10)
- Vila Nova de Famalicão (9)
- Póvoa de Varzim (8)
- Vila do Conde (8)
- Additionally, Guimarães (11) and Esposende (9) in the north will also gain several new parishes.
Note: This article has been updated with the latest information regarding the draft law.
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