Portuguese politicians criticise ECB after Sintra summit // National rail pass proposed and contactless payments come to Lisbon
Portuguese news in English on Monday, July 3, 2023.
Portuguese politicians criticise ECB after summit in Sintra
Multiple Portuguese politicians have lined up to criticise the European Central Bank’s interest rate policy following its meeting in Sintra last week, Diário de Notícias reports. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Prime Minister António Costa and leader of the main opposition party Luís Montenegro all had less than complimentary comments about the bank’s attempts to cut inflation. ECB President Christine Lagarde told the annual summit it was “unlikely” the central bank would be able to confidently state rates had peaked “in the near future” and aired concerns wage increases could keep driving inflation. Socialist Party (PS) leader Costa and Social Democratic Party leader Montenegro were particularly critical of the wage fears. Costa said it was “more or less clear” that massive profits had been driving inflation more than wage increases. “If we don’t get the diagnosis right, the therapy rarely works,” he said. You can read more about the summit in English from the Financial Times and Bloomberg.
National rail pass proposed and contactless payments come to Lisbon
It’s been a big week in public transport news, with changes for national trains and Lisbon’s Metro. In Lisbon, contactless payments have been introduced for the Metro, removing the need to recharge at ticket machines, Público reports. Secretary of State for Urban Mobility Jorge Delgado said the change came at a good time, a little more than a month out from World Youth Day, which is expected to bring a million or more people to the city. The technology, which isn’t available on other public transports in the capital, was introduced on Porto’s airport line two years ago and exists in more than 100 other European cities.
On a countrywide level, a National Rail Pass is set to be introduced, costing €49 and able to be recharged monthly, Lusa reports. The Infrastructure Ministry confirmed the plan on Friday, saying it would be valid on any regional train, independent of origin, destination or time of day, saying rail company CP would divulge the details “soon”. It’s expected the number of journeys will be unlimited but the card will function only on Regional trains, not Inter-Regional or Urban services.
Lisbon mayor accused of “boycotting” slavery memorial
Lisbon’s mayor has been accused of “boycotting” Portugal’s first memorial to slavery victims, Reuters reports, in English. Portugal's Association of African Descendants proposed the project more than five years ago and it was approved in the city's 2017-2018 budget but construction has since been delayed. The memorial is destined for Campo das Cebolas, near Terreiro do Paço and Doca da Marinha on the Tejo River, and is supposed to feature rows of sugar cane painted black. The association (DJASS) on Friday complained of obstacles and accused the mayor’s office of dealing with the memorial in a “negligent and disrespectful way”. The office of Mayor Carlos Moedas, who in March said he was “totally in favour of the memorial" but such projects take time, said it had proposed a new location and was waiting on feedback. DJASS said the proposed space was a narrow road that gives access to a pier and a parking lot near the cruise. Six million Africans were kidnapped and transported into slavery on Portuguese ships from the 15th to the 19th century, a piece of history rarely taught in schools.
In brief
World Youth Day amnesty raises unconstitutionality doubts. The bill would grant a year of pardon on jail sentences and amnesty on fines up to €1000 — with the exception of many more serious crimes such as those involving violence — to those aged 16–30, in recognition of the Pope’s visit. The age limit has constitutionalists concerned. (Diário de Notícias)
Record 17 million summer airport arrivals expected to put pressure on police. The prediction, driven by tourists, World Youth Day and immigration, comes as border agency SEF is being dismantled, leaving the PSP police with a lot more responsibility. (Diário de Notícias)
Sintra historic centre shut to traffic from today. The local council is expected to release a mobility plan by the end of the year, detailing the construction of new car parks on the peripheries and transfer services. (Diário de Notícias)
Proposal for new Alojamento Local registrations to require condominium authorization. The Socialist Party plan, which is a response to a court precedent, would require unanimous support from other apartment owners in the building. (Público)
On a lighter note
As June moves into July, the relentless schedule of summer festivals shifts pace, spreading from the big cities of Lisbon and Porto out into the region. One of these events takes place almost all month in Águeda, in the district of Aveiro, where the famous umbrellas fill the sky and locals and visitors alike celebrate with music, street entertainment, urban art and restaurants, Público reports. CNN called the town’s main road one of the most beautiful streets in the world in 2019. AgitÁgueda runs from July 1 to July 23.
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