The president of Aveiro City Council, Luís Souto, rejected on Thursday a PS proposal aimed at creating a municipal strategy for the enhancement, protection and revitalization of traditional, historic and local commerce. The vote ended with four votes against and four in favor, with the president's casting vote being decisive for the rejection. Elected officials from PSD and Chega supported the mayor's position, while the CDS councilor was not present at the meeting.
Socialist councilor Rui Castilho justified the proposal by arguing that Aveiro "is not starting from scratch, but a true integrated municipal commerce policy is lacking, permanent, with capacity for differentiated offerings." The initiative included nearly three dozen measures and aimed for the municipality to better understand the territory, coordinate policies, simplify procedures and facilitate cooperation between economic agents.
Luís Souto considered the PS proposal as an academic work "good for taking a course" and disagreed with its "opportunity and direction." The president highlighted that the Council is developing concrete work, such as the requalification of Avenida Lourenço Peixinho and the review of "anachronistic" public space occupation fees. The mayor also compared the planning proposed by the socialists to the Soviet Union, stating that "when we are dealing with something that is clearly market-based" that approach makes no sense.
The timing chosen for the presentation was also criticized by the president, who mentioned that the Council is in "a process of operational transition." Chega councilor Diogo Machado joined the criticism, questioning how the proposal would be implemented, with what money, what timeline and what expected results. Rui Castilho expressed disappointment, stating that the proposal does not intend to control shops or replace economic agents, but rather to equip the Council with knowledge to defend local commerce.
