A luxury picnic event scheduled for this Sunday at Lisbon’s Parque Eduardo VII has sparked a political confrontation over the employ of public funds. The event, titled Chic-Nic, is under fire after it was revealed that the Lisbon City Council provided 75 thousand euros in support.
Funding and Political Ties
The 75 thousand euros were granted via a direct award to the company owned by Gonçalo Castel-Branco. Reports indicate that Castel-Branco collaborated with Mayor Carlos Moedas during the municipal election night last year.
Tickets for the luxury experience range from 150 to 300 euros. These tickets cover two people and allow for the entry of two children up to the age of 12.
The Mayor’s Defense
On Friday, Carlos Moedas defended the expenditure, asserting that the municipal funding is earmarked for the portions of the event that remain open to the general public.
“The city council did not support the picnic, but the events visible to everyone. The help was for the music, for the singers who will be there and everyone can see, there are no barriers. Next to it there is a picnic where those values are paid, but that is not what the city council helped to do.” Carlos Moedas, Mayor of Lisbon
Opposition Backlash
Left-wing parties within the municipality have called for the event to be stopped, citing concerns over social inequality. Alexandra Leitão, a councillor for the PS, described the city as increasingly unequal
and urged Moedas to show social sensitivity
.
Carolina Serrão of the Bloco de Esquerda questioned the public interest
of the initiative, even as Carlos Teixeira of Livre echoed these criticisms. João Ferreira of the PCP called for the correction of making this event not happen, at least not in the terms in which It’s proposed
.
In contrast, Diogo Moura of the CDS, a partner in the coalition led by Moedas, argued that the initiative is semi-public and includes a component with free entry.
Potential Outcomes
While the opposition has requested the cancellation of the event, the Mayor’s current stance suggests it may proceed as planned. Still, the ongoing pressure from multiple political parties could lead to further demands for transparency regarding the direct award process or may influence how future cultural events are funded in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much public money was allocated to the event?
The Lisbon City Council provided 75 thousand euros in support through a direct award.
Who is organizing the Chic-Nic event?
The event is organized by the company of Gonçalo Castel-Branco, who worked with Carlos Moedas on the municipal election night last year.
What is the Mayor’s justification for the funding?
Carlos Moedas stated that the funds were not for the luxury picnic itself, but for public-facing elements such as music and singers that are accessible to everyone without barriers.
Should public funds be used to support events that feature exclusive, high-cost private experiences?
