New holiday on May 9, cities of 15 minutes. Are proposals for Sunday elections

VOLT is a very pro-Europe party and this is reflected in its electoral program. The cities should have another design.

In the preparation for the 2025 Legislative Elections, which take place next Sunday, we deepen the electoral programs a little – when there are – from parties that do not have any deputy in the Assembly of the Republic.

Among the dozens and dozens of proposals that, from the most “small” parties, there were some that caught more attention than others, as would be expected.

And the Volt, Recent Party in Portugal (created in 2020) and also therefore little known here, there are some paragraphs that are… outside average.

Volt is a very pro-Europe party; In fact, it is one of Volt Europa’s national “arms”, founded in 2017. And this is reflected in yours.

New holiday

In the chapter on culture in the “giving voice to citizens” section, it is read that “culture and creativity play an important role in reinforcing the unique identity of Europe and each country and region, and can also be important drivers and facilitators of innovation and entrepreneurship”.

“Volt, as a European party and to improve the image and spirit of belonging” to the European Union, proposes to “make the day May 9 National Holidayin order to disseminate diversity and at the same time celebrate peace and unity in Europe. ”

It should be noted that May 9th is Europe’s Day. This date is marked because it was on May 9, 1950 that the bases of European cooperation were established: the Schuman Declaration-the then Minister of Foreign Affairs of France, Robert Schuman, proposed this starting point of European integration-which would originate the CEE and the current European Union.

15 -minute cities

The cities of 15 minutes appear in two moments of the electoral program: in the public investment and infrastructure, and below in the housing.

Numa “City of 15 minutes”local citizens “do not have to be subject to traveling great distances (and times) during everyday life, with the proximity of services, among others.”

Any point in the city would be a maximum of 15 minutes away – on foot or by bicycle.

“Impossible,” says readers. Yes, in several Portuguese cities, especially in the main ones, this is impossible.

But the question would not be to reduce cities. The question would be redesign the cities.

Translating: Each city would have several almost autonomous areas. Because each area, each place, would have the essential services nearby – related to daily life, work, trade, health, education, entertainment.

Everything citizens need daily would be less than 15 minutes away in their residence zone.

This model, which actually originates from urbanization plans over 100 years old, was very recovered because of COVID-19.

Brings several Advantages: Less dependence on the car or transport, less pollution/better air quality, drives local economies, improves health and public well-being, brings more social opportunities.

And there are several cities Known with this system: Barcelona, ​​Paris, Milan, Ottawa, Melbourne or Shanghai are examples.