Left-Wing Parties Unite to Challenge Controversial Soil Law in Portugal

Left-Wing Coalition Seeks to Revoke Soil Law Changes

On Thursday, 14 deputies from the Left Bloc (BE), Portuguese Communist Party (PCP), Livre, and People–Animals–Nature (PAN) came together to request a parliamentary review of a recent decree-law that allows the reclassification of rustic lands to urban status. This law, approved by the government in late November, has sparked significant concern among the leftist parties.

In a press conference, Mariana Mortágua, the leader of the Left Bloc, stated that the coalition's primary aim is to repeal this law, which they believe could have detrimental effects on land use and urban development in Portugal. The parties argue that this change undermines environmental protections and could lead to increased construction on previously protected lands.

The coalition's move highlights the growing tension between the left-wing parties and the ruling government regarding land use policies and their implications for sustainable development in the country.