Portugal’s Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, stated on Sunday that regionalisation will not be addressed during the current legislative term, arguing that the timing is neither appropriate nor beneficial. Instead, he said the government’s priority is to deepen and assess the ongoing decentralisation process.
Speaking at the closing session of the 27th Congress of the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities (ANMP), held in Viana do Castelo, Montenegro emphasised that the existing decentralisation framework must be strengthened, particularly at the inter-municipal level, before any further structural reforms are considered.
He described the present moment as unsuitable for advancing regionalisation, stressing that decentralisation should continue to evolve in line with the principles of municipal autonomy and local executive capacity.
The Prime Minister said it was important to be clear and transparent with local authorities to avoid misunderstandings. “A true partnership requires loyalty and openness,” he noted, adding that honest dialogue is essential for effective cooperation.
In contrast, the ANMP reaffirmed its position that regionalisation is essential to addressing territorial inequalities and ensuring a more balanced national development, aligning national interests with the needs of different regions.
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