Dear Editor,
Following recent stories, I am not sure whether the Resident is producing farce or Greek tragedy. On the farce side are the schools (why can’t the teachers be appointed by heads as in other countries? Simple but in Portugal bureaucracy reigns supreme), the Troika saying Portuguese government figures “simply do not add up” and, of course, allegations that a belly dancer drove a high-speed train and the SP gave a tourist a free conducted tour of Lisbon, plus a meal!
On the tragedy side, the hospitals (sorry Dr. Nunes, but there are significant problems overseeing doctors, such as referrals to “go private” and each telling you something different), alleged corruption and ministers’ utter failures in justice, schools etc (yes, they are still there, with good pay and perks).
On the good side, expats, whom politicians and others deny exist, support charities – bombeiros, children, cancer care, shoebox appeals, and many others (well done all!) – nearly always for the Portuguese. At least we care, when the government with cut backs and austerity does not; nor does it care about tourism, our lifeline. It imposes high IVA and A22 tolls, while the EN125 sees no improvements despite promises.
D Taylor-Smith
By email
A Greek tragedy
