In information sent to Lusa, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MAI) says that it decided this year to extend the usual 'Algarve Seguro' program as it is expected to be a "particularly challenging summer, due to the expected increase in tourists and the high number of young pilgrims who are going to participate in the World Youth Day (WYD)”, which takes place in Lisbon in the first week of August.
MAI advances that the 'Safe Summer 2023' program is extended to Lisbon and Porto and to the beaches that, at a national level, have the greatest tourist pressure.
According to the Ministry supervised by José Luís Carneiro, the 'Safe Summer' program is an instrument designed annually and adapted to the specific circumstances of time and territory, which includes “multiple dimensions of security”, namely policing, preventing and fighting fires, controlling air borders and road safety.
The program, which aims to create “a general feeling of security among residents and vacationers”, involves security forces, Civil Protection and Road Safety.
MAI states that the National Republican Guard and the Public Security Police will have the support of international police, in particular from France and Germany, who will “concentrate their operational capacity in areas of greater tourist relevance, with strong visibility and targeted policing for tourists”.
During this summer operation, the security forces will also pay “particular attention to road safety, as well as the inspection of nightlife establishments”.