Monchique wants change?

vivalgarve: What motivates a young man of 34 years old to stand for, and involve himself in, local politics?

Rui André: There’s almost everything that needs doing in Monchique. This is also very interesting – it’s a borough that has stagnated, and as such is an open book waiting for modern politics.

Would the borough budget allow for this?

I come from a humble background. I certainly wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth - and I’ve learnt to do a lot with very little money. I think you can do very interesting, creative things without large budgets. That’s why I think it’s very important for a mayor these days to know how to handle resources to the benefit of the local population. In Monchique, there’s a lot of talk of megalomaniac projects – but what’s needed by the majority of the people here are the little thing. It’s more important to mend what’s wrong at your own front door first. A lot of what’s lacking in Monchique has to do with social awareness.

What are the strong points of your electoral programme?

Well, right now, we’re talking with the local people. We’re not interested in drawing up a programme full of promises that end up staying on paper. What we’re interested in is resolving the problems of the local population. Our principal concern is in creating a medium-term strategy. We want to create a support facility for entrepreneurial ideas. It would work alongside the slogan «Monchique investe» (Monchique invests) – and it would basically be a tool to dynamise investments, give a leg-up to local businesses and attract other projects. I truly think that is something that’s lacking here… Think about it, anyone interested in investing in any borough, is put off by the prospect of bureaucratic hurdles and complications. With this new idea, we could really make Monchique attractive for anyone interested in investing.

Contrary to the habitual exodus of inland populations, Monchique has attracted many foreign citizens. Do you intend to give them more attention (than they’ve been getting)?

Around 7.000 people live in Monchique – of which roughly 1.000 are foreigners. Obviously, no borough mayor could ignore a reality such as this. Listen, some of these foreigners, are people who’ve chosen to live in Monchique for the rest of their lives. Of course, we’ve got to appreciate their value. We’ve got, for example, many artists and people connected to creativity in general. Why not take advantage of this?

One of the most frequent criticisms is that there is no culture in Monchique. What’s your opinion?

There never was any. Now, I think Monchique could become a very important point of culture. For example, there’s a lot of talk about refurbishing the Convent – and we have a really rich heritage here in the town. That’s just a small part of it. In Alferce, we have the remains of an Arab lookout post – and there are hundreds of archeological sites, dating back to the iron and stone ages, yet no-one seems to know about them!

And what is your attitude regarding to forestry protection?

It’s a priority! I’ve actually suggested Engº Grade as deputy mayor as he has a huge knowledge about the problems of the forest here. I also think it’s imperative that people know how to defend themselves against fire. There’s never been a campaign informing people what to do in cases of fire. Meantime, the town council can also help people in cleaning round houses and on the land. It could build water tanks for more isolated homes and properties. Listen, when there’s a fire, people are usually evacuated - if they had water, perhaps they could stay and defend their property. I would also advocate the use of water from swimming pools in emergencies.

One of the borough’s problems continues to be basic sanitation (drains). Did you know that in the São Roque area, there’s only one drain for 89 homes – emptying straight into the nearby stream?

Yes. It’s a situation that continues today, I know. It’s something the town council did, and the “sanitation” is exposed to the elements for all to see. Sometimes, mayors – like the one we have now – like to kick the ball into a corner (shove the problem away). The solution decided on here is the same one that went ahead in Portimão. One day, they’ll build a water treatment plant in Portimão – and when that happens, sewage will be properly dealt with and it will be left to «Águas do Algarve» to handle. But I think town councils also have responsibilities. It’s a question that’s worried me. There have to be environmental improvements. We can’t talk about touristic projects – like the Via Algarviana – and then show our visitors polluted waterways.

It’s public knowledge that the current mayor has two vehicles for his personal use. What’s your position on this?

As you know, I’m connected to social support – and at some point, I suggested that a mobile health unit was set up in Monchique. I was told at the time that there were no vehicles available. Knowing that the mayor had two, I said perhaps he could lend one for this service. But my suggestion was declined… The vehicles belong to the town council and can be used by any other councillor or employee.

If you win the elections, would you like to see Carlos Tuta in opposition?

Yes, but I know for a fact that he’ll stand down if he loses. But, yes, I’d like the pleasure of showing him how a borough in the 21st century should be run. But, whatever happens, he’ll be watching – because Monchique will be in the press in the future. It’ll be in the public leader columns – and not the way it has been in the past: publicising awful things. In the future, I want Monchique to be talked about as a dynamic borough, entrepreneurial – a place that attracts people and investment, a good place to live in, with quality of life…

Thank you for the interview.