A "healthy gathering" on the decentralization of competences and regionalization took place on Wednesday, at Casa do sal, in Castro Marim, with the presence of some of the authors of the blog Lugar ao Sul.
With a panel of seven authors - Dinis Faísca, Gonçalo Gomes, Vanessa Nascimento, Filomena Sintra, Luís Coelho, Sara Luz and Bruno Inácio - moderated by journalist João Tiago, the gathering also included the intervention of many local mayors present in the public, as well as the assistant of the Secretary of State for Health, Francisco Martins.
“Lugar ao Sul” is a 2016 project that brings together 16 authors and as many guests, united by the same passion, the Algarve, and by the same will, to reflect on an improved future for the region.
In a conversation that was conducted without prejudice, the benefits and possible harms of regionalization for the Algarve were discussed, considering a variety of areas in which the decentralization of competences has accentuated the already overwhelming asymmetries between municipalities of greater or lesser size. .
Mostly in favor of regionalization, the panel considered, however, that what has been carried out in this regard has gone through a decentralization of obligations and execution tasks, ignoring that decentralization would also involve decision-making, which continues in the administration central.
“Prime Minister António Costa was bold to carry out this decentralization 'on his knees' and I don't believe that this will be possible until January 1, 2021. What would culture, social solidarity be, if it weren't for the municipalities?” , said the mayor of Castro Marim.
Francisco Amaral also referred that the attitude of the Algarve in relation to the central power has been one of subservience, as opposed to what should be done to the greatest benefit for the region. “The Algarve has always lacked an Alberto João Jardim”, he concluded.
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