"Due to the situation of insecurity and violence experienced in recent times in the city of Lisbon, this letter serves to request (...), as a matter of urgency, a meeting", to find "measures with immediate effects that can respond to the problems effectively", the letter reads.
Addressed to Maria Lúcia Amaral, Carlos Moedas' letter begins by congratulating the new Minister of Internal Affairs on her mission, considering that, "knowing her vast experience", the person in charge is "a source of hope" in the face of the challenges that the city faces.
The mayor also emphasises the need for challenges to be faced with “a humanistic vision, but at the same time realistic of the needs that a capital like Lisbon faces”.
Carlos Moedas also points out that the city government, “not having direct jurisdiction over security-related issues”, is available to collaborate in all aspects that are necessary. The mayor has warned about the importance of community policing in the city, having noted an increase in the perception of crime and requested reinforcements from the PSP and more powers for the Municipal Police.
Carlos Moedas asked the previous MAI to install video protection in areas of the city such as Martim Moniz, Mouraria, Arroios, São Domingos de Benfica and Avenida da Liberdade. Lisbon currently has 64 video surveillance cameras in the city.
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If Portugal had not allowed so many immigrants from Asia, this might never have happened. The same would not be true with immigrants from Angola and Brazil, but from Asia, Portugal will face the consequences.
By Mark Rowbotham from UK on 10 Jun 2025, 09:48
Nowthat I plan to move to the Lisbon area (35kms. north) it is becoming similar to the Netherlands??
By Jacques De la Haye from Other on 10 Jun 2025, 10:09
Crime comes down to laws and judges. Tolerance towards crime foments the idea that criminals can get away with anything. Real punishments that fit the crime are deterrents and make criminals realize that crime does not pay. As drugs are a primary source of crime - both in distribution and as in drug addicts robbing to pay for their fix - tackling both needs to be adressed. And any immigrants or refugees that commit crimes have to be sent back - after all, they have insulted their host country by biting the hand that feeds them.
All this requires cooperation between our levels of government.
By Paulo from Algarve on 10 Jun 2025, 12:48
While I live an hour north of Lisbon I am frequently in Lisbon, and to be honest I have never felt ‘insecure’ in the capital. I often walk from restaurants back to my hotel late in evening but feel quite relaxed about it. (More so than in many other EU cities, so not sure why the Mayor is highlighting this).
However, of more concern is the level of apparent homelessness and number of beggars (some professional, as I have seen them taking taxis from one tourist venue to another, and seen them in several places).
The level of vagrants and people sleeping on the streets is a cause for concern and police should have the powers needed to control this and remove people if needed. Issues such as pickpocket groups often arise from these groupings.
Equally, of concern is the activity and behavior of many Lisbon taxi drivers, (probably a minority, as many are great), but it leaves a very impression when these drivers actively scam, bully and demand cash payments up front for rides at 2 or 3 times the fair between tourist hotspots.
By Tony Williams from Other on 10 Jun 2025, 15:28
Isn't Portugal this super safe country as the propaganda machine has been telling us for years?! Oh that was all bs once again. Many thanks to the lazy & corrupt police officers who are never doing the job that they get paid for
By Michel Ribbens from Lisbon on 11 Jun 2025, 10:19