Faro PSD calls for investigation into municipal media contract

The PSD parliamentary group in the Faro Municipal Assembly has requested investigations from the Court of Auditors (TdC) and the Media Regulatory Authority (ERC) regarding a contract between the municipality and the digital publication "New in Faro."

The contract, valued at 114,000 euros plus VAT, is intended to promote local culture, events, dining, and commerce. The PSD has raised questions concerning the legality of the direct award process, the formation of the price, and the lack of defined metrics for audience or service acceptance. They have also called upon the ERC to examine the distinction between paid advertising and journalistic information within the content.

The Socialist Party (PS), which leads the municipality, has defended the legality of the contract, stating the objective is to promote the region rather than the executive itself.