Portugal’s president calls for seismic risk to become national priority

President António José Seguro has called for reducing Portugal’s seismic risk to become a long-term national priority, arguing that earthquake preparedness should be treated as a permanent commitment by the state rather than a matter shaped by changing political agendas.

The appeal followed a meeting at Belém Palace with experts in civil engineering, geology and seismology to assess Portugal’s preparedness for earthquakes and explore ways to reduce seismic risk.

In a statement released by the Presidency, Seguro said Portugal already has the scientific knowledge, technical expertise and professional experience needed to significantly improve the country’s resilience.

“Portugal now possesses sufficient scientific knowledge, technical capacity and professional experience to significantly reduce the country’s seismic risk,” the statement said.

The President argued that this knowledge must now be translated into “coordinated, sustained and assessable public policies on the ground”, adding that reducing seismic risk should be “regarded as a national priority and a commitment by the state, transcending political cycles”.

Since taking office on March 9, Seguro has repeatedly stressed the importance of long-term planning and stronger institutional coordination to improve Portugal’s resilience to natural disasters and other emergencies.

The issue was also raised during the first meeting of the Council of State convened by the President on April 17, which focused on security and defence.

Following that meeting, participants agreed on the need to strengthen Portugal’s preparedness for severe weather events, hybrid threats and other emerging risks, while ensuring the protection of critical infrastructure and the continuity of essential services.

The council also highlighted the importance of improving coordination between the various authorities responsible for prevention, emergency response and post-crisis recovery.

Newspaper editor at The Portugal Resident