🏛️ Storm Kristin emergency aid and political fallout
Oneliner
The Portuguese government has declared a state of calamity due to Storm Kristin, which has caused 15 deaths and extensive damage. Emergency support measures include up to €10,000 for home reconstruction, with payments expedited to assist affected homeowners. Criticism of the government's response has led to calls for the resignation of Interior Minister Maria Lúcia Amaral. The state of calamity has been extended until 15 February for 68 municipalities, with a total recovery budget of €2.5 billion.
Key points
- Government announces support measures for storm victims, including up to €10,000 for home reconstruction.
- Calls for the resignation of Interior Minister Maria Lúcia Amaral intensify amid criticism of government response.
- State of calamity extended until 15 February for 68 municipalities affected by Storm Kristin.
- Financial support will be expedited, with payments up to €5,000 within three days and €10,000 within 15 days.
Links
- Público: Isenção de portagens nas zonas afectadas pelo mau tempo prolongada até 15 de Fevereiro
- Expresso: Gouveia e Melo acusa Governo de falhanço total nas tempestades e aconselha demissão da MAI
- Diário de Notícias: Resposta aos efeitos do mau tempo. Gouveia e Melo considera que MAI deveria pedir exoneração
- Público: Apoio de 10 mil euros à reconstrução de casas será pago em 15 dias após candidatura
- Público: BE defende saída da ministra da Administração Interna: "está a mais" no Governo
- Público: "O Estado falhou": Gouveia e Melo pede saída da ministra da Administração Interna
- Diário de Notícias: José Manuel Pureza: "A ministra da Administração Interna já não o devia ser"
- ECO: Apoios à reconstrução de casas de até 5.000 euros pagos em três dias úteis
- Rádio Renascença: Ministra do Ambiente diz que apoios às vítimas do mau tempo estão a chegar ao terreno
Facts
- 15 fatalities reported due to Storm Kristin since 28 January 2026.
- Government support measures include up to €5,000 paid within three business days and €10,000 within 15 days.
- State of calamity extended until 15 February for 68 municipalities.
- Total recovery budget announced is €2.5 billion.
Quotes
- The State has failed — Henrique Gouveia e Melo
- The Interior Minister should have ceased to be Interior Minister long ago — José Manuel Pureza
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