Meteorologia

  • 18 OCTOBER 2024
Tempo
20º
MIN 16º MÁX 22º

Decentralization? Government wants to correct possible distortions in the process

The Deputy Minister and Minister of Cohesion stated today that it is time to "consolidate" decentralization, considering it necessary to correct "possible distortions" in the process and update data to calculate transfers to municipalities.

Decentralization? Government wants to correct possible distortions in the process
Notícias ao Minuto

17:19 - 20/05/24 por Lusa

País Descentralização

"A period of consolidation of the decentralization process is now required", said Manuel Castro Almeida, who was speaking at a session of the commemorations of the 40th anniversary of the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities (ANMP), which is taking place at the São Francisco Convent in Coimbra.

The decentralization process, carried out by the previous executive, "was not a work free of criticism, but it was a significant advance, a step forward", noted the government official, considering that it will now be necessary to consolidate the process.

For Manuel Castro Almeida, "consolidating does not mean stopping or closing the process", but rather reviewing issues associated with decentralization.

According to the minister, it is necessary to "update data for the calculation of financial transfers, clarify doubts, correct possible distortions, clarify concepts, improve reporting instruments or calculate indirect costs".

After this "consolidation" phase, Manuel Castro Almeida defended that it will be necessary to give "a new impetus to the decentralization process".

The minister gave the example of considering, within the scope of the transfer of competences, the possibility of the equipment and computer networks of schools being transferred to the local authority.

"Of course, it is necessary to transfer the associated financial resources and it is also necessary to recognize that the current level of service in schools is not sufficient and needs to be reinforced", he added.

For Manuel Castro Almeida, despite the complexity of the competence transfer process, the "decentralizing" convictions will "override any financial calculation difficulties".

During his speech, the minister also noted that, despite the idea of "spendthrift and uncontrolled local authorities" still being in the minds of "many Portuguese people", the municipalities today present a "budgetary balance", considering it essential to preserve this "mark of balanced account managers, which the current local authorities boast".

However, this balance of accounts "does not exempt a review of the Local Finance Law", a position already assumed this morning by the Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro.

According to Manuel Castro Almeida, this same law needs to reflect the transfer of competences and ensure the financial autonomy of the municipalities, giving account of "significant disparities" in the accounting situation of the various local authorities.

Read Also: ANMP: Decentralization and local finances will be "worthy of attention" (Portuguese version)

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