Lisbon to Get Special Security Plan, Says Mayor Carlos Moedas

Lisbon's City Hall and the Ministry of Internal Administration are set to outline a specific security plan for the capital, though a concrete date for its implementation remains unspecified, announced the city's mayor this Tuesday.

Carlos Moedas addressed the press following a meeting in Lisbon with the Minister of Internal Administration, Maria Lúcia Amaral. This meeting, requested on June 9th "with a sense of urgency," aimed to discuss "responses to the security challenges facing the city."

"It was an excellent meeting. I felt a dynamism in the Ministry of Internal Administration that I hadn't sensed in a long time, but above all, I sensed a minister with a vision for the unique needs of Lisbon," the Social Democrat mayor stated.

According to Moedas, there's not only recognition but also "a vision and a plan" for the city. It was agreed with the minister to assess Lisbon's situation regarding the necessary numbers of PSP (Public Security Police) and Municipal Police officers.

"We will establish a specific action plan for Lisbon, which I believe is crucial. It reflects the minister's vision and acknowledges Lisbon's current situation," he reiterated.

Moedas highlighted that Lisbon, as the nation's capital, "has many unique aspects not found in other cities," noting its 570,000 residents and the daily influx and outflow of over a million people.

The mayor, elected by the Novos Tempos coalition, mentioned that no dates have been set for this strategy, emphasizing that the idea "was just introduced here." He expressed gratitude to Maria de Lúcia Amaral, calling the plan "necessary for Lisbon."

"Whether it's about the numbers of PSP, Municipal Police, joint actions, mixed patrols, night guards, or the Municipal Police's capacity to make arrests—all these will be part of this approach," he explained.

Carlos Moedas, who has yet to confirm his candidacy for re-election in the October 12th municipal elections, also stated his willingness to "assume costs, if necessary," even if they are substantial.

"I told the minister she can count on me for what a mayor does—being on the streets and understanding their dynamics. She is the sovereign minister regarding national security, but I was truly pleased to find a mutual understanding of what Lisbon is today—a city that's open but must also be safe, which is vital for all of us," he emphasized.

The meeting also touched on the regulation for night guards, an initiative by Lisbon's City Hall to deploy 56 night guards across the city to ensure "safety at night for many." The executive will proceed with "regulation and training" for those who will take on this role.