The Lisbon City Council has announced plans to allocate an additional four million euros to the 24 parish councils in the city for urban hygiene. This increase comes as part of a broader strategy to enhance cleanliness and maintenance in response to rising tourism and public demand.
Carlos Moedas, the president of the Lisbon City Council, announced that the increase in funding is a direct result of the doubling of the tourist tax, which has risen from two to four euros per night. This adjustment is expected to generate an additional four million euros, with two million allocated for this year and the remaining two million earmarked for early 2025.
The funding is part of inter-administrative cooperation contracts established since 2019, aimed at optimizing urban hygiene management across the city. The contracts focus on the cleaning of public spaces and streets, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized.
As the proposal awaits further discussion and approval, it remains a focal point of debate among city officials and residents alike, reflecting the ongoing challenges of managing urban spaces in a rapidly growing tourist destination.