The position of the socialist mayor, Luís Nobre, follows the news released by Lusa news agency, which states that the management of Estação Viana Shopping requested, in May, the relocation of the shopping center's four movie theaters. However, "for the moment," the complex operated by Cineplace, which even intends to invest more, will continue to operate.

"The mayor of Viana do Castelo considers this a cultural activity of important interest and importance to the municipality and the region, and if this relocation occurs, it is essential to ensure that it does not assume, at that location, any purpose other than cinema," reads a note sent to newsrooms.

According to an official source from the General Inspectorate of Cultural Activities (IGAC), who told Lusa on August 7, regarding "the Cineplace Estação Viana Shopping cinemas, the request for de-allocation was made by the owner: Estação Viana Centro Comercial, SA."

According to IGAC, "the justification presented by the applicant for the request is based on the fact that the cinemas currently do not have a sufficient number of spectators to justify their operation."

The cinema operator, Cineplace, when questioned by Lusa following the information provided by IGAC, stated that the closure of the cinemas "has no basis whatsoever," and that it is even "developing plans to invest in the modernization of the Viana do Castelo cinema."

An official source from Sonae Sierra, which manages the shopping mall that requested the de-allocation of the cinemas, stated that, "at the moment, with regard to the cinemas, they are maintaining their normal operations, without any changes," but admits that "they are constantly analyzing different opportunities within the management of their assets."

Estação Viana Shopping aims to "offer a balanced tenant mix and improve the visitor experience," says the same Sonae Sierra source.

Lusa subsequently asked Sonae Sierra whether, even though there are no changes planned at the moment, they are expected to happen within a timeframe, but received no further clarification.

In additional information requested by Lusa, an official source from the Ministry of Culture revealed that the request for the relocation was made on May 20th and that "no deadline has been set for it to occur."

Lusa also requested further clarification from IGAC and the Ministry of Culture regarding the relocation process and is awaiting a response.