The Albufeira division of the governing Partido Social Democrata (PSD) is calling for a “public discussion” on the tourism model of the municipality following the Oura road incident that left 16 people injured, arguing for greater safety and long-term sustainability.
In a press release, the Social Democrats expressed their “deep dismay” at the recent events in the city and extended their solidarity to all those affected and their families.
Albufeira Council had long been a PSD/CDS-PP coalition stronghold, but political control shifted to Chega in 2025. The municipal executive is now headed by Rui Cristina.
The statement follows the mass hit-and-run in the Oura nightlife area in the early hours of Tuesday, 25 August, in which 16 people were injured, two seriously.
The party says the incident “should serve to reignite the debate” about the future of tourism in the municipality.
The 35-year-old driver, who was holidaying in Albufeira, was arrested with a blood alcohol level of 1.29 grams per litre after fleeing from police. Oura is an area known for its concentration of bars and is closed to vehicle traffic at night.
The driver appeared before a judge at Albufeira Court on Thursday, 27 August, for an initial judicial hearing and was remanded in custody.
The PSD argues that Albufeira should move away from a tourism model based primarily on visitor numbers towards one focused on “quality and added value”, while preserving local identity, traditions, and residents’ quality of life.
Among the measures proposed are attracting “more discerning tourists who respect the local community”, as well as reclaiming some areas of the city for families and residents.
The party is also calling for stronger security measures and tougher action against behaviour that could damage Albufeira’s reputation as a tourist destination.
For the PSD, addressing the municipality’s challenges will require a joint strategy involving central government, the council, businesses, security forces, tourism operators and local residents.
The Social Democrats maintain that Albufeira “has the capacity to reinvent itself” and are calling for the start of a “new tourism cycle based on safety, sustainability, economic value, and respect for local identity”.
Source: LUSA
Photo credit: Duarte Drago
