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The Land Law: Solution to the Housing Crisis or Open Door to Corruption?

Ultimately, the housing crisis cannot be solved at any cost. The Land Law can be a valuable tool, but without safeguards, it risks deepening social inequalities and environmental damage. It is essential to ensure that the benefits of this legislation are distributed fairly and that the decisions taken today do not...
22 Feb 2025 3 min reading
The Land Law: Solution to the Housing Crisis or Open Door to Corruption?
The new Land Law, presented as a mechanism to mitigate the housing crisis in Portugal, allows municipalities to reclassify rustic land into urban land with greater ease. While this legislation has the potential to create more housing space, its gaps can fuel corruption and abuses in territorial management, exacerbating environmental and urban problems.
The government's stated goal is noble: to solve the housing crisis. However, Portuguese history in terms of land management is marked by scandals of illicit enrichment, disrespect for land planning and environmental destruction. In a scenario where local decisions often favor private interests, flexibility in land use resembles a "blank check" for practices that neglect public welfare.
The exclusion of "affordable rent" as one of the mandatory conditions for land reclassification is especially worrying. Although the government argues that this modality is implicit in "public housing", the new concept of "moderate value housing" is nebulous and leaves room for speculation. Without clear guarantees, the measures could benefit private developers seeking exorbitant profits, rather than prioritizing economically viable housing for the population.
Another alarming aspect is the weakening of environmental protection. The conversion of rustic land into urban land, without strict and transparent criteria, can result in irreparable impacts on the ecosystem. Portugal has already witnessed cases of construction in risk areas, such as flood beds, and the destruction of natural ecological corridors. The lack of effective oversight puts not only the environment in danger, but also the communities that depend on these territories.
To prevent this law from becoming a facilitator of corruption and real estate speculation, it is essential to establish strict control mechanisms. Decisions must be made based on clear, auditable technical criteria and aligned with the public interest. In addition, transparency in land reclassification processes should be mandatory, with reports accessible to the population and independent inspection.
The role of local communities cannot be ignored either. The population needs to be informed and consulted, ensuring that decisions take into account the real needs of citizens, and not just the interests of investors or politicians. To this end, it is crucial that civil society organizations, the media, and citizens maintain active vigilance, sending a clear message to the authorities: we are attentive.
Ultimately, the housing crisis cannot be solved at any cost. The Land Law can be a valuable tool, but without safeguards, it risks deepening social inequalities and environmental damage. It is essential to ensure that the benefits of this legislation are distributed fairly and that the decisions taken today do not compromise the future of Portugal.
 
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