The regional delegation of the Algarve of the National Association of Parishes (Anafre) is prepared to organize the VIII Meeting of Parishes of Algarve, which will take place on March 7, at the São Brás de Alportel Cineteatro.
Under the theme “Valuation of Parishes and Local Power”, the event aims to highlight innovative projects with socioeconomic impact developed in the parishes of the region, while promoting the exchange of experiences and good practices between mayors across the country.
The program, currently in the final stages of preparation, will start at 14:30 and will include several presentations aligned with Anafre’s mission to promote, defend and dignify local power.
This meeting occurs in a context in which the diploma providing for the disintegration of 135 parishes and the creation of 302 new parishes was returned to the Assembly of the Republic, after the President of the Republic opted not to promulgate him.
In the case of the Algarve, of the 16 existing parishes unions, eight expressed intention to disintegrate, which will give rise to 17 new parishes and change the local municipal map of the region, from the current 67 to 76 parishes.
In addition, another relevant challenge is the fact that about 68% of parish mayors are fulfilling their last term, which raises new questions about the future of local governance.
João Carlos Simões, regional coordinator of Anafer Algarve, points out that “this meeting is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of parishes in the context of local, regional and national political power.”
For the president of the Union of Parishes of Alcoutim and Pereiro, “the dignity of local power passes, in the first instance, by this body of proximity, being crucial that all parishes, regardless of their size or location, are recognized as fundamental pillars for the development of our communities ”.
João Carlos Simões also underlines that “the meeting of March 7 will be an excellent occasion to discuss these issues and share the good practices that are already being implemented in our parishes.”
Also read:
