Portugal's proposed shooting range move to Alter do Chão sparks 2,500‑signature petition

The civil movement “Não ao campo de tiro” has gathered more than 2,500 signatures on a petition titled “Impedir a transferência do Campo de Tiro para Alter do Chão”. The petition reaches the threshold for consideration by a parliamentary commission.

The petition opposes the government’s plan announced on 11 March to relocate the Portuguese Air Force’s Alcochete shooting range to the Alter do Chão area in the Portalegre district. The new site would cover about 7,500 hectares across the municipalities of Alter do Chão, Crato, Fronteira and Monforte, affecting agricultural land and a national gas pipeline. The movement demands publication of the perimeter, criteria, study results and hearings of the affected municipalities. It will submit the signatures to the Assembly of the Republic. The plan follows the construction of the new Lisbon airport (Luís de Camões) and was announced by Defence Minister Nuno Melo, who has not yet released the supporting studies.