Residents and merchants in Funchal's Praça do Carmo are denouncing a growing situation of insecurity and neglect. The once emblematic square has reportedly become a scene of explicit drug and alcohol consumption, vandalism, public unsanitary conditions, and aggressive behavior.
These citizens state that the situation compromises basic safety, affecting accessibility and leading businesses to close early and residents to feel trapped. The authorities' occasional interventions are deemed insufficient, with responsibilities allegedly being passed between the Municipal Council and the Regional Government.
Amidst despair, there is concern that the local community might form "vigilante groups" to ensure safety, a serious alarm for democracy. An integrated and permanent intervention plan is demanded, combining community policing, enhanced social and mental health support, and daily urban cleaning and requalification.
