In the year in which we celebrate half a century of the 25th of April and just over a year after local elections, it is fair to remember the role of municipalities in affirming the democratic regime, taking the important decisions of each land to the people and operating real transformations in the quality of life of the Portuguese.
The years that followed the revolution were, in fact, extraordinary when we analyze what the municipalities were able to do, with scarce resources, but a lot of desire to respond to the most pressing needs of their people.
The democratic regime gave tools to local authorities to be able to intervene in their territory and transform it, for the benefit of the populations. Many did so and this is visible today in the level of development achieved.
This change, however, is not limited to public works, water supply or sanitation, the arrangement of streets and paths and the improvement of public spaces. This change can – and should – also affect mentalities, economic and social transformation, and the creation of attractive conditions, whether for establishing companies or families.
There were municipalities that took this mission into their own hands. In the 70s and 80s, local social housing initiatives, municipal subdivisions at controlled costs, and projects designed to support families were common, some born from popular will – from cooperatives and commissions – then implemented by local authorities. This energy, this determination, seems to have waned in many municipalities, which is reflected in their populations and creates serious apprehensions about their future.
Between 1981 and 2021, the district of Setúbal, as a whole, increased by around 25 thousand people, but some of its municipalities fell abruptly in terms of population, in Alcácer do Sal, for example, the number of residents and voters have been increasing. decrease drastically.
In the first free local elections, this municipality had 12,495 voters, for a population of more than 16 thousand residents, but, in 2013, there were only 11,340 voters. The “fall” for the most recent elections – already this year – was even stronger.
In fact, Alcácer do Sal is, today, the only municipality in the Setúbal district below 10 thousand voters (exactly 9,940) and below this threshold, the municipalities, so to speak, descend in “division”. In the next municipal elections, which should take place in 2025, Alcácer do Sal will only elect five councilors (and not the current seven) and will reduce the number of municipal deputies and support staff.
More serious is the expected drop in State transfers, essential for the functioning of local authorities.
Municipalities with fewer voters receive reduced amounts, which will have an impact on what the City Council will be able to do for its people.
Less money means less work, less investment, less execution capacity.
This means that the next few years will not be easy, because, in truth, little has been done to try to reverse this population decline.
In this April Portugal, it is imperative that local governments assume their vital role in promoting the sustainable, full and transversal development of their territories and take effective proactive and creative measures, adapted to the populations and the terrain that they know so well, to guarantee a future prosperous for their communities. It’s in your hands.
Tags: opportunity local power
