Luís Neves addresses wildfire prevention following presidential criticism

Portugal's Minister of Internal Administration, Luís Neves, has responded to criticisms from the President regarding the country's wildfire prevention and response capabilities. Speaking in Mirandela, Neves stated that the President's remarks serve as a warning to identify and correct existing issues.

Neves noted that the government is shifting its strategy from a focus on combat to a focus on prevention. He highlighted that while expenditure was previously 80% combat and 20% prevention, more than 52% of the current budget in this area is now dedicated to prevention. This follows recent large-scale fires in Vouzela and Valpaços, the latter of which affected approximately 15,000 hectares and destroyed various agricultural areas.

The Minister also referenced a study by an Independent Technical Commission regarding previous wildfire seasons and mentioned a long-term forest plan approved for 2050.