Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa Drives Debate on National Calamity Fund

Portugal - Ekhbary News Agency

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa Drives Debate on National Calamity Fund

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on Saturday initiated a discussion in Alcácer do Sal regarding the necessity and feasibility of establishing a national calamity fund. The suggestion comes as a proactive response to the extreme weather events that have been affecting the country with increasing frequency and intensity, such as the recent floods that devastated several regions, including the Alentejo city the head of state was visiting.

At a time when Portugal and the world are confronting the undeniable effects of climate change, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa's proposal underscores the urgent need for a more structured and financially prepared approach to dealing with natural disasters. "Being a collective problem, it's worth thinking about the future. If there are increasingly serious and frequent calamities, then perhaps it's a good idea to have a fund that anticipates these calamities," the President stated during his visit to the riverside area of Alcácer do Sal, one of the areas most affected by the Sado River floods.

The creation of a calamity fund represents a paradigm shift, moving from a predominantly reactive management to a strategy of anticipation and prevention. Currently, the costs associated with natural disasters are often covered by emergency budgetary allocations, which can be insufficient or slow to mobilize. A dedicated fund, with continuous capitalization and well-defined access criteria, could ensure a faster and more effective response, minimizing the suffering of populations and long-term economic impacts.

This financial mechanism could serve multiple purposes: from direct support to victims for housing reconstruction and property recovery, to compensation for farmers and businesses, as well as funding resilient infrastructure and prevention projects. Its management would raise important questions about its governance – would it be a public, mixed, or privately participating fund? What would be the sources of funding, in addition to the State Budget? Could Portugal draw inspiration from existing models in other European countries or internationally, which already have similar structures?

The recent experience of Alcácer do Sal, where the Sado River floods left the city submerged for several days, causing significant damage to families and businesses, serves as a powerful reminder of the territory's vulnerability. The President's visit was not only a gesture of solidarity but also an opportunity to contextualize his proposal, highlighting the tangible risks and the need for concrete and lasting solutions.

The discussion about this fund is more than a financial matter; it is a debate about national resilience, social justice, and the State's capacity to protect its citizens in the face of growing threats. It involves not only the government and parliament but also civil society, climate and risk management experts, and the private sector. The definition of a robust legal framework, ensuring transparency and effectiveness in the use of resources, will be fundamental for its sustainability and public acceptance.

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, by placing this topic on the public agenda, invites a deep reflection on Portugal's future in the face of climate challenges. The realization of such a fund will require political consensus and a long-term commitment, but it could be a decisive step to strengthen the country's capacity to confront and recover from disasters that, unfortunately, are increasingly becoming an unavoidable reality.

Ekhbary News Agency