A proposal from two social democrat councillors that the São Brás de Alportel municipality takes in and looks after a number of fleeing refugees has been voted on and passed at a full council meeting.
Rui Eusébio and Anabela Marcos submitted the proposal for the council to accept some of the thousands of refugees that the government is bringing to Portugal.
"We cannot turn our backs and pretend that nothing is happening. It is at these times that we have to be united and do our part in helping those who need it most,” read the proposal.
The PSD councilors wanted the Socialist controlled council to show solidarity with the Syrian people and with refugees from other countries, "that are fleeing their home countries because of the war situation in which they found themselves involved."
The proposal was voted through and the São Brás council now is to find a way of welcoming and housing some of the refugee families.
The proposal was approved with three votes in favour, one against and one abstention, "We are sure it will never be enough whatever we do, but we are sure that what we do, no matter how little it may be, will help someone," concluded the successful motion.
Olhão council was the first to agree to accept refugees when they arrive, with a local Red Cross delegation kicking off the process by offering land in Fuseta on which to build accommodation.
This annoyed some locals in this predominantly tourist area and a plan was developed with the council for resettlement of refugees to a choice of inland sites while the mayor rushed out a statement stating that his support of Olhão’s poor is his 'number one priority.'
Mayor António Pina said that if refugees come to his manor, the government needs to pay for them, not the local ratepayer - apart from that, they are welcome.
