Portugal's Liberal Party Calls for Overhaul of Civil Protection Law

The Iniciativa Liberal (IL) party has introduced a draft reform of Portugal's basic civil protection law, arguing that the current framework is "too reactive, overly centralised and designed for a country that no longer exists." Citing the 2017 Pedrógão Grande wildfires, the recent nationwide blackout and a recent storm‑train, IL says the system focuses on emergency response while neglecting prevention and the protection of critical infrastructure such as energy, water, communications and health services.

The proposal outlines seven structural pillars: a shift toward permanent risk assessment, a staged response model (prevention, alert, contingency, calamity, critical rupture, recovery), and the legal definition and safeguarding of critical infrastructure. It also seeks to empower citizens as "active agents" by guaranteeing clear, timely information on risks, and to place municipalities as the first line of response, with clearer responsibilities for higher‑level authorities. IL emphasizes that recovery must be treated as a distinct phase, ensuring support for displaced families and damaged services after emergencies.

The party’s leader, Mariana Leitão, presented the draft, stressing that preventive measures are socially more effective and financially cheaper than remedial actions.