Rui Curado, 45 years old, driver, is the head of the Algarve list for the RIR party – React to Include and Recycle to Legislative Elections, for the Algarve circle.
Now that the election campaign is underway, the Sul Informação is publishing interviews with the list leaders of the 14 parties or coalitions that are running for the Legislatures on March 10th.
The same questions were sent, in a timely manner, to all 15 first candidates, covering the main themes in focus in the Algarve.
The interviews will be published as responses reach our newsroom.
Sul Informação – What are the priorities of your political force in the next legislature for the Algarve?
Rui Curado – The entire Algarve is a priority, it is a region with enormous potential, in which our rulers have done nothing but make false promises in their campaigns.
For the Algarve, the RIR prioritizes timely access to quality healthcare for all Algarve and Portuguese people, as well as an investment in the construction of the Algarve Central Hospital or even the Eastern Algarve hospital (already promised since the Cavaco Silva was prime minister).
We advocate the creation of affordable housing for active taxpayers, housing being a serious problem in the region and in the country as well.
Finally, I leave our greatest conviction, which is to lead and defend the autonomy of the Algarve.
SI – What led you to accept being head of the list for the party you represent?
RC – The acceptance was due to the fact that I had a sense of responsibility in defense of the Algarve region, a region that, over decades, has been disrespected and forgotten, not only by the current government, but by everyone else who has been there.
Therefore, a different and more interventionist policy in the Algarve is essential.
SI – What are the expectations and objectives of your political force in relation to these Legislative Elections?
RC – The RIR is convinced that we will have parliamentary representation and not just through one constituency.
The RIR states that the 2019 results will be easily surpassed, people on the streets, on social media, show their desire for us to represent them in the Assembly of the Republic. There is enormous identification on the part of people with what we defend and want for the Portuguese.
The Portuguese will not be fooled this time.
SI – What remains to be done in the Algarve?
RC – If all or almost all of the promises had been fulfilled by those who have governed us, I wouldn’t be here without knowing where to start.
The Algarve has excellent conditions and resources to boost the industry sector, so that it is possible to create brands to enter the international market, which, consequently, would lead to an increase in exports.
We cannot be completely dependent on tourism.
A requalification of the EN125 from Faro the VRSA is imperative, as it is not a valid and safe alternative to the A22, which, in turn, is in a deplorable state, even though it is payable and does not offer the safety required.
The social and health sectors are areas that require major intervention, as there is a huge lack of development and prospecting.
SI – Drought and lack of water is a pressing issue in the Algarve. What solutions do you advocate, in the short term, knowing that the water currently available only arrives until August? And in the medium and long term?
RC – The Algarve has a Mediterranean climate characterized by the existence of a dry summer period lasting longer than five months on the coast. The dry period coincides with the hot period.
Chronic drought in the Algarve is due to the abnormal succession of dry years that are not compensated with wet years. Vila Real de Santo António, for example, has already had 13 consecutive years of below-average rainfall.
In addition to the succession of dry years, there has been a notable increase in the average temperature in the region and a change in the precipitation pattern: long dry periods are interrupted by short periods of torrential rain.
Baixo Alentejo is suffering the same problems, as, like the Algarve, it depends on the existence of instability southwest of Sagres and in the Gulf of Cádiz during the autumn and winter months.
Whether this pattern is here to stay or whether it is a cyclical change that will be reversed in the coming years, only time can tell.
Until then, it is important to find the solution with the best cost-benefit ratio and the lowest environmental impact to solve the problem of public supply and irrigation in the coming years.
And that solution is the connection of the Guadiana to Odeleite, through a pipeline that collects water in Pomarão, taking advantage of the waters that come from the Vascão and Foupana rivers that flow into the Guadiana river, a solution four times cheaper than a dam in Foupana and with the capacity to capture and store a much larger amount of water.
SI – Health is a very deficient sector in the Algarve and in the country. What measures do you recommend to solve health problems in the Algarve?
RC – The health problem in the Algarve is interconnected with all the shortcomings that the region has.
Assuming that the Algarve has around 440 inhabitants and that, in high season, the Algarve hosts three or even four times more than the population living here, how is it possible that there is no increase in terms of the number of health professionals? ?
It is necessary to create programs to encourage health professionals to settle in the Algarve, so that there is a reinforcement of existing hospital units, both at a human and material level.
We demand that the incentives that should be applied to doctors be extended to all other health professionals.
The RIR advocates the expansion of continuum and palliative care centers.
SI – What about the Algarve Central Hospital? What should be done?
RC – As I briefly mentioned above, investment needs to be made in the construction of the Algarve Central Hospital or the Sotavento Algarve Hospital.
This investment would be a way of revitalizing health in the region, while at the same time stopping the emigration of health professionals.
With the construction of this and being supported by the Algarve Local Health Unit, we would achieve a reduction in waiting times for surgeries and there would be a reduction in Government spending on payment for surgery vouchers for private individuals.
SI – The Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve and the Regional Health Administration joined, from January 1st, into a single body, the Algarve Local Health Unit. What do you think of this change and what expectations do you have for your future?
RC – The merger of CHUA and ARS into a single organization, ULS do Algarve, can bring benefits in terms of operational efficiency, coordination of health services and resource synergies.
This integration can help improve healthcare delivery in the region by optimizing the use of resources, increasing cooperation between different entities and ensuring a more integrated and holistic approach to patient care.
Regarding expectations for the future of this change, it is expected that ULS do Algarve will be able to offer quality, accessible and comprehensive health services to the local population.
Furthermore, it is expected that integration will allow for better management of human, financial and material resources, resulting in more effective and efficient care provision.
However, it is important to continually monitor and evaluate the results of this change to ensure that expectations are met and that the quality of healthcare services is maintained or improved.
SI – The previous Government, now only in management, transformed the Regional Coordination and Development Commissions into Public Institutes, adding new functions (such as Agriculture and Fisheries, as well as Culture). What do you think of this change and what expectations do you have for your future? Is this a first step towards Regionalization?
RC – The transformation of Regional Coordination and Development Commissions into public institutes, adding new functions such as agriculture, fisheries and culture, could represent a significant change in the way these entities operate and the breadth of areas they cover.
This change may allow for greater integration and coordination of policies across different sectors, facilitating the implementation of more comprehensive strategies aligned with regional needs.
As for expectations for the future of this change, it is possible that newly created public institutes can play a more proactive role in regional development, promoting innovation, sustainable economic growth and social cohesion.
This change is expected to result in greater efficiency in the implementation of policies and programs, as well as a better response to the needs of each region.
Regarding the issue of regionalization, the transformation of Regional Coordination and Development Commissions into public institutes can be considered as a step towards greater autonomy and decentralization of decisions at regional level.
However, it is important to analyze further whether this change actually represents a significant advance towards effective regionalization, which would also involve the attribution of expanded powers and political autonomy to the regions.
SI – Are you for or against Regionalization? Why?
RC – I am in favor of autonomy, as it is something that I have been defending since 2019, during my first candidacy.
But, regarding regionalization, I have the opinion that it assumes that the organization in regions is done in a transparent way, in which there will be no cases of political favoritism, but rather that it is closer to the populations, always aiming at development and professionalizing public administrations and ensuring that relations with society are completely impartial.
If these objectives are achieved, we can say that we will have, in political positions, people who will not allow themselves to be corrupted and will work for the benefit of society.
In this way, we will be able to achieve territorial and social development in a sustainable and harmonious way within society.
SI – Will the integration of the former Regional Directorates of Culture and Agriculture and Fisheries into the CCDR have beneficial effects for these sectors or not?
RC – The integration of the old regional directions of culture, agriculture and fisheries can bring benefits to these sectors.
By combining resources and efforts from different areas, there can be better coordination of policies and actions, promoting synergies and more integrated approaches.
This can lead to more efficient management of natural resources, greater sustainability and better support for farmers, fishermen and local communities.
However, it is important to carry out a careful analysis of the potential positive and negative impacts of this integration, as well as considering the specific needs of each sector to ensure that the benefits are maximized.
SI – What solutions do you recommend for tolls on Via do Infante?
RC – The topic of A22 tolls is one that is talked about in every campaign, but about which nothing is done by the rulers, I would even say that our rulers “prostitute” the situation itself with false promises of abolition.
The RIR and I argue that it is imperative, with immediate effect, to abolish tolls on the A22, as well as on other former SCUTs.
It is unacceptable that we have been paying tolls for using the A22 for more than a decade and there has been no reform, nor a sufficiently valid alternative.
We must remember that the Algarve, in high season, has a huge influx of tourists, and it would be good to have better access conditions for those who visit us.
While tolls were not paid on the A22, the fatal accident rate dropped drastically, but there was a setback when the tolls were implemented.
To conclude this topic I ask: How many millions have already been paid by users? How much has already been spent on rehabilitation of the A22?
The Algarve deserves these answers.
SI – And for the completion of works on the EN125, from Olhão to Vila Real de Santo António?
RC – This is another “prostituted” topic and forgotten by the rulers and deputies who are elected here.
We must remember that the Algarve is not from Sagres to Faro, but from Sagres to Vila Real de Santo António.
There was in fact a requalification of the EN 125, but let's say only in the areas that call themselves the Algarve's calling card (Barlavento Algarvio). Sotavento is forgotten not only in this area.
However, it is in Sotavento that there is a border that connects us to Europe, as such, a requalification should be carried out, with the creation of the bypass in Olhão, so that it would be possible to remove a large part of the existing traffic flow.
There are also the most glaring cases of roundabouts to be built at the intersections of Santa Rita and Praia Verde (the latter rejected by the Central Government, even though the municipality of Castro Marim assumes the costs of the work).
These two places have been points of countless road accidents, which have not been given any relevance to the resolution of this scourge that exists in these two points.
SI – One of the biggest problems in the Algarve is mobility. Work is being carried out to electrify the Algarve Line, the creation of the Metrobus is expected and there is talk of a possible TGV connection between Faro and Huelva/Seville. What is your opinion on these issues and what solutions do you advocate?
RC – The distance between Faro and Seville is smaller than Faro to the capital of our country.
The Algarve is recognized worldwide thanks to tourism, but I don't believe that, in a certain way, a TGV connection between Faro and Huelva/Seville would be really beneficial for the region, having an excellent airport, such as Faro.
It would make much more sense for there to be more cooperation in air connections between Beja, so that the two airports can be better capitalized. Even more so with everything that has been said about the construction of a new airport.
Valuing what we already have can bring more resources than what will be invested in this connection.
SI – The president of the Algarve Tourism Region complained that the budget of this organization is short and has not been increased for many years. What do you recommend for this sector in the Algarve region?
RC – To deal with the issue of the limited budget of the Algarve tourism region and promote the region's tourism sector, some measures can be considered.
The first is the diversification of tourism. Instead of relying exclusively on sun and beach tourism, the region can explore other forms of tourism, such as cultural tourism, nature tourism and health tourism, attracting different types of visitors throughout the year.
Another measure is tax incentives and financial support. Establish public-private partnerships to promote investments in the tourism sector, offering tax incentives and attracting investors to develop infrastructure and tourism projects in the region.
There should be more promotion and marketing. Invest in effective marketing and promotion strategies to attract more tourists to the Algarve, both nationally and internationally, highlighting its particularities and diversity of tourist experiences.
Training and capacity building must also be promoted. Invest in training and training the workforce in the tourism sector, ensuring quality services and preparing professionals to deal with the needs and demands of tourists
There must also be a focus on sustainability. Promote sustainable tourism, preserving the region's natural and cultural heritage, minimizing environmental impact and contributing to long-term local socioeconomic development.
These are just some of the suggestions that RIR and I advocate, which can help boost the tourism sector in the Algarve and overcome the region's budget limitations.
SI – In the current Government, does Tourism share a State secretariat with Commerce and Services? Do you think it is enough? Or should a future Government give more importance to Tourism? In what way?
RC – The question of whether or not to separate tourism from other areas depends on the government's priorities and the strategy adopted to promote the country's economic and tourist development.
The importance given to tourism within government may vary depending on circumstances and policy priorities.
RIR argues that tourism is a crucial industry for the Portuguese economy and could benefit from more specific attention.
To give more importance to tourism in a future Government, the RIR would present some measures that could be taken into account:
Creation of a Ministry of Tourism, raising tourism to ministerial level, creating a Ministry dedicated exclusively to this area to ensure more focused attention.
Investments in tourist infrastructure, give priority to investments in tourist infrastructure, such as improving access, developing cultural and natural attractions, and modernizing tourist services, in order to increase the competitiveness of our country.
Tax incentives and support for the sector, through the implementation of tax incentive policies, financing lines and specific support programs for the sector, always aiming to stimulate investment, innovation and job creation in this area.
International promotion, always with the aim of reinforcing tourism promotion campaigns at an international level, in strategic markets, so that more visitors can be attracted and Portugal's visibility as an excellent tourist destination can be increased.
Training and qualification, here there should be greater investment in the training and qualification of professionals in the sector, guaranteeing an excellent service and preparing the workforce to respond to the needs and demands of tourists.
SI – In the case of more divisive issues, will you vote for the AR according to your conviction, even if it goes against your party's guidelines?
RC – As a deputy, my main role will be to defend social well-being, the security not only of the Algarve but of all Portuguese, and that there is fair justice for everyone.
And since RIR is a consensus party, anything that is for the benefit of either the Algarve or the Portuguese in general, I will always vote in favor, because I will be there to ensure that the Portuguese are respected and valued.
SI – Do you consider that it would be useful to change the electoral law, to create single-member and partial constituencies and a national compensation circle, and thus bring deputies closer to citizens? Why or why not?
RC – The proposal to create single-member constituencies and a national compensation circle has been discussed in several electoral systems.
The implementation of this model can have positive and negative impacts, and the discussion about its usefulness depends on the political and social context of each country.
In my opinion, these would be the points in favor: greater proximity between elected officials and voters. With single-member constituencies, voters would have a specific representative to turn to, increasing communication between voters and parliamentarians.
Diversity of representation. The introduction of a national clearing circle could help ensure more balanced representation of different social, ethnic and political groups.
Incentives to electoral competition. With single-member circles, competition between candidates tends to be more provocative, which could result in more qualified candidates with a greater focus on local needs.
But on the other hand, it will also have points against it, such as favoring populated regions. In countries with large population discrepancies between regions, single-member circles could result in disproportionate representation, favoring more densely populated areas.
Another drawback is the complexity of the system. Implementing single-member constituencies and a national clearing circle would require significant changes to the existing electoral system, which could be challenging and potentially confusing for voters.
In short, the decision to change the electoral law to create single-member constituencies and a compensating circle must be carefully considered, taking into account the specific pros and cons of the national context. These changes can bring benefits in terms of representation, but they also present challenges that would need to be overcome.
To conclude this topic, highlight that the compensation circle should have existed a long time ago, as it already exists in the Azores regions.
If it existed, the RIR had been elected since 2019.
Not so many votes were thrown away, and there wasn't so much fear among voters due to the fraud of useful votes.
SI – Do you want to add any more topics or questions?
RC – Finally, I would like to talk about housing, one of the great scourges of the region, as well as the country.
In Portugal, housing problems include the lack of affordable and quality housing, lack of social housing, real estate speculation, lack of regulation of the rental market and difficulty in accessing credit for purchasing housing.
Some short-term solutions advocated by the RIR to address these problems could include increasing the supply of affordable housing, investing in the construction of social housing and supporting urban renewal programs to make more affordable housing available.
Regulation of the rental market: here the RIR defends the implementation of measures to regulate the rental market, such as limits on rent increases and increasing the duration of rental contracts.
Combating real estate speculation: this measure would involve implementing measures to discourage speculation in the real estate market, such as taxes on empty or unused properties.
Tax incentives: to this extent, we defend the creation of tax incentives for owners who provide affordable housing or for investors who invest in social housing.
-Support for renting, with the creation of rental support programs for families in vulnerable situations or with financial difficulties.
Improving access to credit: we advocate facilitating access to housing credit, especially for young people and low-income families, through support programs or partnerships with banks.
These are just some of the suggestions for short-term solutions to address housing problems in Portugal.
It is important that these measures are implemented in an integrated manner and are accompanied by long-term policies to ensure a sustainable improvement in the housing sector.
I just wanted to make an appeal so that on March 10th the people do not allow themselves to be deceived as they have been over these 50 years with false promises and to vote RIR.
Comments