Portugal's Government Defends Timing of EU Civil Protection Mechanism Activation Amid Wildfire Crisis

Government Followed 'Technical Criteria' in Activating European Civil Protection Mechanism

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has deferred an assessment of the timing for requesting aid from the European Union through the Mecanismo Europeu de Proteção Civil (European Civil Protection Mechanism). In a statement following a briefing and meeting with Civil Protection command in Carnaxide, Montenegro emphasized that the decision was based on technical and operational criteria, as well as solidarity among partners. He stated, 'We will verify at the end if this had the proper framework—my expectation is that it did—but we will be scrutinized as is normal in a democracy.'

Opposition Criticizes Delay and Calls for Resignations

André Ventura, leader of the opposition party Chega, criticized the government's actions, suggesting that the mechanism was activated only after the 'Festa do Pontal' event, implying a delay in response. Ventura accused the Prime Minister of downplaying the need for additional aerial firefighting resources, saying, 'Who hears the Prime Minister speak thinks we have aerial means to combat fires at will, we don't need anyone else, and what comes are leftovers.' Chega has called for the resignation of the Minister of Internal Administration, Lúcia Amaral, describing her recent press conference as a 'public disaster' and an act of 'arrogance and disregard for the suffering of populations.'

In response to Montenegro's offer to address parties with 'frontality, honesty, and a sense of responsibility,' Chega has requested an urgent parliamentary debate on firefighting coordination involving the Prime Minister and the Minister of Internal Administration. Additionally, Ventura announced that Chega has canceled its return event in the Algarve to instead pay homage to the victims of the wildfires.

Additional Political Reactions and Proposals

Parliamentary Inquiry Commission

The party Juntos Pelo Povo plans to propose the establishment of a parliamentary inquiry commission to investigate the 'structural causes' of the wildfires and the 'political and institutional responsibilities' behind what they call an 'ongoing tragedy.' Their sole deputy, Filipe Sousa, asserted, 'The country demands answers, not bureaucracies.'

Electronic Monitoring for Arson Convicts

The PAN party is advocating for all individuals convicted of forest arson who are free to be required to use electronic monitoring bracelets between May and October each year, aiming to prevent further incidents during high-risk periods.