Lisbon Minister Downplays Surge in Violent Crime, Addresses Police Concerns
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Amid growing public anxiety, the Minister of Internal Governance has sought to reassure citizens that the recent increase in violent incidents in the Greater Lisbon area is not as severe as media reports suggest. The statements came during the inauguration of a renovated police station in Odivelas.
The Minister of Internal Administration addressed concerns stemming from a recent spike in shootings and attempted murders.While acknowledging an uptick in violent crime, a senior official stated, “There is indeed some increase in violent crime, but it is not as much as what is reported in the media, which generates in people a feeling of insecurity regarding reality, which does not always coincide with what actually happens.”
Recent Violence in the Lisbon Region
Last week, authorities recorded five separate shooting incidents. On Monday, a man was hospitalized at Amadora-Sintra Hospital with a gunshot wound to the knee. The previous day,another young man received treatment at the same facility for abdominal injuries. These incidents have fueled public concern about safety in the region.
The Minister emphasized the importance of contextualizing the recent events, stating, “The wave of violent crimes that marked the last week must be understood in our context, which is that of rigorous reporting regarding the effective increase in crime and violence.”
Drug Seizure Controversy and Inter-Agency Coordination
The inauguration event was also marked by questions regarding a significant drug seizure conducted by the Public Security Police (PSP) without the knowledge of the Judiciary Police (PJ). According to reports in the newspaper Public, the PSP seized nearly six tonnes of drugs in a warehouse in Seixal – perhaps “one of the biggest drug seizures ever.”
The National director of the PSP has promised further explanation at a press conference scheduled for Tuesday, praising the agents involved in the operation. However, the Minister of Internal Administration admitted she was unaware of the details, stating, “I haven’t read the news in the newspaper yet. Public. I don’t know what happened, so I don’t consider anything.” This lack of awareness has raised questions about inter-agency communication and oversight.
Addressing Police Union concerns and Recruitment Challenges
The Minister also addressed ongoing concerns from PSP unions regarding salary increases and the lack of provisions in the proposed 2026 State Budget. She indicated that she is actively working to address these issues.
Beyond financial concerns,a broader challenge facing the PSP is attracting new recruits. A senior official noted, “There has been, as in many other institutions and areas of the State, some difficulty in inviting new generations to join these institutions t
“Today, youth culture is different, because the world is also different and young people have many more alternatives and choices,” she said. “What we are doing at PSP is understanding how we are going to dignify the police function and condition so that it can also be attractive to new generations.”
HearS a substantive news report answering the “Why, Who, What, and How” questions:
Why: Public anxiety is rising due to a perceived surge in violent crime in the Greater Lisbon area. the Minister of Internal Administration sought to address these concerns and provide reassurance to citizens. Additionally, the PSP is facing challenges in recruiting new officers due to changing youth culture and career preferences.
Who: the key figures involved are the minister of Internal Administration,officials
