"I was contacted by the office of the Minister of Internal Administration [Maria Lúcia Amaral] informing me that she has instructed the National Directorate of the Public Security Police (PSP) to incorporate 80 more police officers into the Porto Municipal Police, with immediate effect," declared Pedro Duarte.

The mayor, who promised to increase the PM's personnel during his campaign for the municipal elections in October, described it as "good news for the city" and an "unexpected Christmas present".

"I think this could be an important message because in the city we need to establish a sense of security among the residents of Porto Alegre," he reflected.