Anafre seeks increase in state tax revenue share for parishes

The National Association of Parishes (Anafre) is calling for an increase in the share of state tax revenue allocated to parishes (freguesias) from 2.5% to 3.5% in the upcoming State Budget. This change would raise funding from approximately 440 million euros to 600 million euros.

Anafre presented this proposal to the Government and the Directorate-General for Local Authorities in Lisbon. The association argues that increased funding is necessary to offset rising operational costs driven by accumulated inflation, wage updates, and the increased price of goods, services, and fuel. Francisco Brito, president of Anafre, noted that parishes have smaller budgets and are more immediately impacted by rising costs, which limits their ability to serve local populations.

Additional demands include the right for all parishes to have a full-time elected official to better manage their workload and responsibilities. The association also seeks corrections regarding the Administrative Reform of Lisbon and the granting of right of first refusal to parishes when acquiring real estate, similar to the rights held by municipalities.