Public works contracts plunge 29% by September to 6.2 billion euros

Public works contracts in Portugal have seen a significant decline, with a 29% drop in tenders amounting to €6.2 billion by September. The value of awarded contracts fell by 52% to €2.6 billion. The number of public tenders also decreased by 30%, totaling 4,316. This downturn is attributed partly to statistical effects from last year's inflated figures due to a major railway project. However, direct awards increased by 32% to €713 million. Overall, public procurement contracts reported a 43% decrease, indicating a structural decline in the sector.