Lisbon City Council has officially requested the Portuguese government to suspend the controversial “Portugal Sempre Seguro” or Portugal Always Safe, campaign. This decision follows a significant police operation in Martim Moniz, which has raised concerns about the association of crime with immigration.
Background of the Campaign
The “Portugal Sempre Seguro” campaign was launched by the government to enhance public safety and address issues related to illegal immigration and human trafficking. However, the recent police operation conducted on November 8 in Martim Moniz has sparked controversy. Critics argue that the campaign unfairly stigmatizes immigrants and associates them with criminal activity.
Lisbon City Council, with opposition from the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and the CDS – People’s Party (CDS-PP), passed a motion urging the government to halt the campaign.
The council’s resolution condemned the police operation, which involved the Metropolitan Command of Lisbon and various regulatory authorities.
Government’s Stance
On the same day as the operation, Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro announced that the government had instructed security forces to intensify their efforts against illegal immigration and human trafficking. He indicated that the operation in Martim Moniz was part of a series of planned actions aimed at enhancing public safety.
