Maçao, Portugal, April 7, 2026 (Lusa) – President António José Seguro called for "less talk and more action" in response to the widespread damage caused by recent extreme weather, saying the government had to streamline support mechanisms and learn from the catastrophe to prevent future failings.

Seguro told reporters that his primary obligation was to ensure that available funds reached those in need as quickly as possible, saying that the current period was a "time for action". 

These comments were made hours before his weekly meeting with the prime minister, Luís Montenegro, though the president declined to preview any specific topics for that discussion despite being pressed by the media.

“This is not about pressure. I have a focus throughout my presidency to help the Portuguese people live better over the next five years. And when they have problems, to ensure that those problems are resolved,” he said.

Seguro said that he had recently seen two applications submitted via a local council, dated 23 March, which had already received funding. However, he said there was still a need to speed up the overall process, calling it the time for action.

Two months had passed since the disaster, he said, emphasising the importance of the state and all its institutions working together to strengthen their capabilities.

Additionally, there was a need to provide clearer information and better support, as many individuals faced significant difficulties when attempting to formalise their claims, he said.

He said that while he was aware of situations where local authorities had done an extraordinary job, he acknowledged that this might not be the case in all areas, concluding by urging everyone involved to quickly recommit to taking further action to ensure that support reached those in need without delay.

JF/MYAL // ADB.

Lusa