Turn off the lights, please!

In recent months, we have witnessed an increase in the number of requests from citizens in need of social and financial support in the city of Lisbon. Inflation is on an upward trajectory, the price of food has soared 17%, fuel prices continue to be unaffordable, energy is not far behind and the 2% limit on rent increases has led many landlords to stop renewing contracts. Thus, we already have 800 families at risk of eviction.

Lisbon is one of the two most affected regions, where price increases exceed the national average, without any monitoring of wages and the value of pensions.

But while the 800 families do not see the light at the end of the tunnel and do the math, Lisbon City Council invests 800 thousand euros in Christmas lighting. This, which is now a reality, reminds me of Charles Dickens’ “Christmas Carol”, in which the differences between the poorest and the richest became increasingly overwhelming.

Lisbon City Council cannot be the image of Scrooge counting his coins. But you must set a good example. This week, the PAN saw approval, at the Lisbon Municipal Assembly, of a recommendation aimed at accelerating the implementation of plans for energy savings, water efficiency and mobility in the city of Lisbon. It is an obligation for all of us to demand more in response to the challenge launched to the member states of the European Union in order to commit to a voluntary 15% reduction in energy consumption.

For this Christmas, this is what PAN Lisbon wants: an efficient management of energy and funds in the name of the survival of the planet and that those who find themselves in a more vulnerable situation do not see their interests postponed in favor of Christmas lighting of almost a million euros! So here’s the challenge: turn off the lights, please!

*PAN municipal deputy