Chega Unveils Pro-Investment Platform for Barreiro with Drastic Tax Cuts
The Chega party has announced a detailed 8-point strategic plan for the municipality of Barreiro, with mayoral candidate Gonçalo Camacho presenting a series of proposals aimed at fiscal relief and urban development. The announcement, made during a session with the Rotary Club of Barreiro, outlines a policy agenda that includes significant tax reductions, a new approach to housing, and a renewed push for major infrastructure projects.
The most prominent policy objective is a substantial tax cut for residents and businesses. Camacho's team has proposed lowering the municipal surcharge on the Personal Income Tax (IRS) from the current 5% down to 3%. Even more significantly, the plan includes a proposal to slash the Municipal Property Tax (IMI) to a rate of 0.3%. This aggressive fiscal policy is designed to make Barreiro more attractive for investment and to increase the disposable income of its citizens, potentially stimulating the local economy.
The implementation strategy for this fiscal overhaul is part of what Chega is calling a "transparent and efficient management" plan. This includes a commitment to conduct a full external audit of the municipality's accounts upon taking office, a move intended to fight corruption and control public debt. The party believes that these tax cuts, combined with responsible financial oversight, will create a more dynamic and competitive economic environment in Barreiro.
The platform will directly affect property owners, who would see a significant reduction in their annual tax burden. For the housing market, Chega's plan, presented by Bruno Maia, includes the rehabilitation of all vacant municipal properties, to be achieved without public expenditure, alongside a review of the current "supported rental" housing model. Furthermore, the party's urbanism proposal calls for a revision of the Municipal Master Plan (PDM) and the requalification of areas with clandestine or low-quality construction, which could open up new areas for regulated development.
The plan also addresses long-standing infrastructure demands. Sandro Igreja, speaking on mobility, reaffirmed the party's commitment to the construction of the Barreiro-Seixal bridge and the Third Tagus Crossing, including both road and rail components. These projects are considered critical for improving Barreiro's connectivity with Lisbon and the wider region, which would have a major positive impact on property values and economic activity.
The political debate surrounding this platform is likely to focus on its fiscal sustainability. Opponents may question whether such deep tax cuts are feasible without compromising essential public services. Chega's response is that a combination of fighting waste, auditing accounts, and stimulating economic growth through lower taxes will create a virtuous cycle of prosperity. The party's success will depend on its ability to convince voters that this pro-growth model is the right path forward for Barreiro.
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