Local municipalities in Portugal announce investment priorities

In Penafiel, Mayor Pedro Cepeda marked his first year in office by outlining new municipal priorities. Key focus areas include housing, health, education, and employment. The municipality plans to allocate funds in the 2027 budget for affordable housing solutions to support youth and vulnerable families. Additionally, a new municipal scholarship regulation is expected, with an initial investment of approximately 300,000 euros to assist students in higher education.

Mayor Cepeda also reaffirmed his commitment to expanding the Hospital Padre Américo, proposing that the municipality provide the necessary land for the project. He emphasized the importance of this expansion for the region, which serves approximately half a million inhabitants across 11 municipalities.

In Ourém, Mayor Luís Miguel Albuquerque reported 24 million euros in investments during the first year of the current mandate. These projects span health, sanitation, sports, and urban requalification. Notable developments include the Ourém Citizen Shop, the expansion of the local Health Center, and the first phase of the Fátima Sports Complex. The municipality also managed emergency expenses of over 1.5 million euros following storm Kristin, providing technical support for thousands of housing recovery applications.