The measure only received a dissenting vote but was criticized by the entire opposition, which wanted a more significant reduction.

The councillor from the Liberal Initiative, Rui Rocha, said that the reduction, on average, should not be worth more than a coffee a month.

"The reduction is a signal, we are in favour, but it seems to us a frankly insufficient signal," said Rui Rocha.

The criticisms are shared by the Amar e Servir Braga movement, which considered the reduction "very timid," and by the Socialist Party (PS), which said that with an annual income of 300 euros, the decrease will be around 10 euros.

The Chega party councillor, Filipe Aguiar, voted against, considering that the IMI (Municipal Property Tax) is a tax that shouldn't exist because it "penalises families very severely."

“Too little”

"Obviously, we welcomed this reduction, but we think it was too little and that we should go for the minimum rate," he said.

For Mayor João Rodrigues, the approved reduction is based on a logic of fiscal justice and financial responsibility, ensuring that the measure does not compromise the municipality's ability to maintain "quality public services, support those who need it most, and continue investing in the city."

"We didn't choose between lowering taxes and carrying out public works. We chose to govern rigorously so we could do both. We want a Braga that works, grows, and cares, without always asking more from those who already pay everything," the mayor emphasizes.

The municipality emphasizes that it maintains a fiscal policy focused on housing and urban rehabilitation, valuing those who recover and care for heritage, encouraging the improvement of the housing stock, and combating the degradation of buildings.

"The city hall preserves benefits and mechanisms that protect families, especially in their own permanent housing, and reinforces clear signals that the city must be treated responsibly, with incentives for those who invest in rehabilitation and demands for those who allow properties to deteriorate," says a statement from the municipality.

For João Rodrigues, "fiscal policy must have a purpose."

Incentives

"Those who rehabilitate and give life to the city should be incentivised. Those who allow degradation and put people and property at risk cannot be rewarded. Braga wants more quality housing, more rehabilitation, and more care for urban space," he argues.

In the meeting, the City Council decided to maintain the 3 percent participation rate in Income Tax, with the entire opposition abstaining.

The Socialist Party (PS), the Liberal Initiative, and the Amar e Servir Braga party wanted a reduction to 2.75 percent, admitting that the drop in revenue for the municipality would be around 800,000 euros and requesting that the matter be voted on at the next meeting, but the mayor did not budge.