Government establishes working group to create Local Power Code

The Portuguese government has established a working group to create a Local Power Code, aiming to consolidate specific legislation for municipalities. This initiative seeks to simplify legal consultation and enhance clarity in interpreting local governance laws. Minister Castro Almeida emphasized the importance of this effort, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the first local elections in Portugal. The government also plans to review the Local Finance Law and the status of local elected officials, with potential changes to electoral law being integrated into the new code. Maria José Castanheira Neves will lead the working group, which includes representatives from various local governance organizations. Almeida stated that the goal is to create a robust normative system for local power, not to hinder it.