Nuno Melo disputes accusations from Gaia Mayor over military land

Portuguese Defense Minister Nuno Melo has expressed regret regarding the tone and personal accusations made by Luís Filipe Menezes, the Mayor of Gaia. The dispute centers on military-owned land in Serra do Pilar that the Gaia City Council intends to use for housing projects.

Mayor Menezes previously accused the Minister of lying, claiming it was false that a meeting had been convened and alleging that the Minister refused to meet with him. Menezes stated that international funds and investors are ready to finance the housing development without municipal expenditure, but progress has been stalled for a year due to the Minister's actions.

In response, Nuno Melo maintained the official Ministry version of events. He noted that in 2002, the army transferred several prime plots in Serra do Pilar to the Gaia City Council under a protocol involving specific considerations, including works on three barracks and land valuation.