Montemor-o-Novo Mayor calls for more public housing

Carlos Pinto de Sá, the Mayor of Montemor-o-Novo, has called for increased public housing to address migration and demographic shifts. Speaking at the inauguration of a new nursery for the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Montemor-o-Novo, the Mayor noted that while migration helps address the shrinking active population and labor needs, it must be met with adequate integration and housing solutions.

De Sá argued that Portugal’s primary challenge is not a lack of houses, but a lack of access to them, as many families cannot afford current rental or purchase prices. He highlighted that public housing in Portugal accounts for only about 3% of the housing stock, a figure significantly lower than in European countries like Germany, where public housing levels are two to four times higher. He emphasized the need for greater public intervention to ensure housing is compatible with family incomes.