Members of Parliament from the Socialist Party (PS) elected for the Faro constituency have challenged the Government over delays in paying closed-season subsidies owed to fishermen in the Algarve, at a time when the fleet has been largely inactive for nearly a month due to continuous adverse weather conditions.
According to the MPs, a succession of storms and low-pressure systems has prevented vessels from going out to sea safely. The situation has been compounded by delays in the payment of financial support relating to last year’s mandatory closed season, set in force for safety and ecological reasons.
In a statement, the MPs revealed that of the 80 applications submitted for the subsidy, only six have so far been approved, despite the scheme being specifically designed to compensate fishermen for enforced suspensions of activity.
Socialist Party politicians Luís Graça and Jorge Botelho have submitted a formal question to the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, seeking clarification over what they describe as a failure to deliver the promised support to the sector. They are also requesting a timetable for the expected payment dates of the 2025 closed-season subsidy.
Moreover, they are seeking clarification on when the wage compensation fund will be activated in response to the weather-related fishing stoppages that have affected the country for almost the entirety of 2026 hitherto.
The MPs warn that the ongoing delays are leaving families without income, with some fishermen reportedly resorting to loans to cover basic living expenses.
