Heraldo de Madrid - CDU Challenges PS Accountability in Moita Over Financial Transfers and Transparency

The Communist Party of Portugal (CDU) has accused the Socialist Party (PS) of evading responsibility for governance failures in the municipality of Moita, specifically citing a lack of transparency regarding financial transfers to local parish councils. The opposition party argues that while the PS leadership claims to deliver results, it avoids accountability when issues emerge, particularly concerning the suspension of funds to the parishes of Moita and Alhos Vedros.

The dispute centers on a recent decree by the President of the Moita Municipal Chamber attempting to suspend financial transfers to these parish councils. The CDU notes that this executive order was rejected by the municipal executive body, describing it as a political defeat for the chamber president rather than an official municipal decision. The party asserts that the PS failed to build consensus even within its own ranks.

According to the CDU, their opposition to the suspension was not a rejection of transparency or accountability, but a defense of the operational stability of the parishes and the residents they serve. The party claims that during previous years, when they held influence, they repeatedly requested execution reports from both the chamber and the parish councils regarding delegated competencies, only to receive none.

The CDU cites municipal audit findings indicating that under their management, only the parishes of Baixa da Banheira and Vale da Amoreira fully complied with identified obligations. Conversely, current parish presidents claim they submitted these reports to the chamber, which failed to validate them, thereby preventing their disclosure to the CDU. The opposition party questions why these documents remain inaccessible if they exist.

"We have the PS demanding of the PS what the PS does not clarify," the CDU stated, characterizing the situation as an internal audit where demands for explanations are made without providing answers. They argue that transparency is being enforced selectively, applying only to political opponents while the ruling party avoids similar scrutiny.

The CDU also clarified its long-standing position on decentralization, advocating for genuine regionalization, the restoration of abolished parishes, and effective administrative and financial autonomy. However, they oppose the current model, which they describe as poorly discussed and underfunded, effectively transferring state responsibilities to local authorities without guaranteeing necessary resources.

The party referenced risks acknowledged by the President of Portugal during the promulgation of Law No. 50/2018, including financial sustainability concerns, increased inequalities between municipalities, and the state’s withdrawal from essential responsibilities. The CDU maintains that true decentralization requires autonomy and means, not a "facade" process that shifts costs while retaining decision-making power.

Reflecting on their previous tenure in Moita, the CDU asserts they respected all parish councils regardless of political affiliation and never used financial transfers as tools for pressure or retaliation. They conclude that governing requires explaining actions, admitting unfulfilled promises, and honoring commitments, rather than merely claiming to make things happen. The party insists that those who demand transparency must first set an example by presenting their own accounts.

P.Sanabria--HdM