Portuguese Firefighters League urges government for funding contract

The Portuguese Firefighters League (LBP) has called on the government to urgently establish a program contract to finance volunteer firefighter humanitarian associations. During an Extraordinary National Council meeting in Celorico de Basto, LBP President António Nunes highlighted the issue of chronic underfunding, a problem that has persisted for over a decade.

The League is seeking to replace the current funding model, which Nunes described as “uncertain and dependent on the activity” of each corporation, with a more stable program contract. This model is already included in the government's program and has been repeatedly requested from the Ministry of Internal Administration.

While the Minister of Internal Administration recently announced a state budget increase of over 5% for firefighter corporations next year, the LBP remains concerned. The League had previously criticized the initial €37 million allocation in the state budget proposal, noting that permanent uncertainty remains regarding whether promised state supports are delivered in an expected timeframe.