The land borders between Portugal and Spain will remain closed after May 14, the Minister of Internal Affairs announced today, without putting forward a date for the reopening.
In the parliamentary committee on Constitutional Affairs, Rights, Freedoms and Guarantees, where he was heard this afternoon, Eduardo Cabrita said that the control of land borders will be extended “beyond May 14”.
“May 14, certainly not [reopening of borders]. I do not anticipate any date, ”said the minister, stressing that he is“ dependent on the success ”of Portugal and Spain in the fight against the covid-19.
The control of land borders with Spain is being carried out since 23:00 on March 16 at nine authorized crossing points due to the covid-19 pandemic.
The operating border points are Valença-Tuy, Vila Verde da Raia-Verín, Quintanilha-San Vitero, Vilar Formoso-Fuentes de Oñoro, Monfortinho-Cilleros Thermal Springs, Marvão-Valencia de Alcântara, Caia-Badajoz, Vila Verde de Ficalho -Rosal de la Frontera and Vila Real de Santo António-Ayamonte.
Within the scope of border control, tourist and leisure travel between the two countries is prevented, with only the transport of goods and cross-border workers being allowed.
To the deputies, the Minister of Internal Administration maintained that “the lifting of borders must be done with great prudence” and “it will be done in absolute dialogue with the Spanish authorities”.
Portugal has been in a calamity situation since Sunday due to the covid-19 pandemic, after 45 days in a state of emergency, which ran from 19 March to 2 May.
Asked by PAN deputy Inês Sousa Real about the role of security forces and services in the calamity situation, Eduardo Cabrita underlined that “it will be guided by the same principles” of the state of emergency, but “adapted to circumstances that are different”.
According to the minister, the police will give priority to the safe use of public transport, the reopening of commercial spaces and public services.
“The circulation issues will continue to exist naturally, but they will be less visible situations in the context of allocating available resources”, he said.
Decree law here https://dre.pt/web/guest/pesquisa/-/search/130326108/details/maximized