Parliament today approved the dismantling of 135 parishes ‘united’ almost 12 years ago, against the will of their communities and municipalities, but because troika overlords saw the move as another way to cut costs. What it means is that 135 ‘unions of parish councils’ will revert back to 303 individual parish councils – but not yet. President Marcelo has said that he will not tinker with the municipal map in a year of municipal elections (which come in September), and there are those (like Iniciativa Liberal) that believe the move will simply increase public spending (because there will be more staff to pay, again). For now, for communities that have fought so long to retain their independence, this is an historic day. Votes in favour for this proposal came from the PSD, PS, BE, PCP, Livre and PAN. CHEGA abstained (much to a great deal of disgust) and Iniciativa Liberal voted against, due to the excess costs the measure will bring. For the Algarve, the decision means the unlocking of the ‘unions’ between Conceição and Estoi in the municipality of Faro, Bensafrim and Barão de São João, municipality of Lagos , Querença, Tor and Benafim (Loulé), Moncarapacho and Fuseta (Olhão), Alcantarilha and Pêra (Silves), Algoz and Tunes (also in Silves), Luz de Tavira and Santo Estevão (Tavira), Conceição and Cabanas de Tavira (also in Tavira).
