Portugal's PCP questions government over beach ownership and kiosk renovations

The Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) has launched two separate demands for transparency from the government. In Setúbal, deputy Paula Santos told Lusa that the five beaches of the Arrábida coastline – Comenda, Rasca, Rainha, Maria Esguelha and Albarquel – are public assets and that the government must clarify a lawsuit filed by the owners of the Herdade da Comenda who claim private ownership. Santos said, “As praias são públicas, as praias são do povo,” and urged the municipality to become an interested party in the case.

In Lisbon, PCP councillor João Ferreira warned the city hall of an “illegal work” on the kiosk in Jardim da Estrela, alleging the absence of required permits and questioning plans to turn the kiosk into a luxury restaurant. He said, “estamos perante uma situação que consideramos grave, neste momento temos todas as evidências a apontar para a circunstância de uma obra ilegal.” Both actions reflect the PCP’s broader criticism of perceived privatisation of public spaces and a call for government accountability.