“And here we are, right in the Rossio, the once-dreamed-of new central hub, facing a building that requires structural improvements; improvements for which, Your Excellency, we intend to develop a technical and financial cooperation agreement,” said João Azevedo.

The mayor was speaking during the Municipality Day celebrations, observed today, St. Matthew’s Day, at Praça da República (commonly known as Rossio). The ceremony was held outdoors in a space that serves as the city’s “drawing room.”

Among the audience, which included residents and invited dignitaries, was Silvério Regalado, the Secretary of State for Local Administration and Spatial Planning, whom the Viseu mayor addressed directly in his remarks.

“And while this initiative is valid for improving working conditions for City Hall staff, it is, above all, for the benefit of the residents, who increasingly need better solutions to ensure a swift and effective response from the local government,” he added, noting that the plan also extends to “some parish council headquarters” within the municipality.

After the ceremony, he told reporters that the municipal administration is “preparing an application for a government program aimed at local authorities” to “improve and modernise the beautiful” Viseu City Hall building.

“This year marks the 150th anniversary of the municipal body’s decision to prepare this building as the City Hall, so I am very happy that we are indeed moving forward with that goal.”

João Azevedo added that “this first phase represents an investment in the order of €1 million,” aimed at providing “proper facilities to welcome both the staff working daily at Viseu City Hall and the citizens who need to access its services.”

“We will resolve the matter in the coming months,” said Socialist João Azevedo when asked about the start date for the construction work, confirming it would take place during the current term of office.

Secretary of State Silvério Regalado told journalists that while the redevelopment project “has not yet been formalised via a formal agreement, there is a commitment in place.” He noted that “the Government’s role is to stand alongside local leaders and municipalities,” particularly as local government marks its 50th anniversary and reflects on the significant contributions it “has delivered to the population.”

José Mota Faria, President of the Viseu Municipal Assembly, also spoke at the ceremony, outlining the municipality’s history and growth over the past 50 years—achievements made “thanks to local government and all the municipal and parish officials” who have shaped the municipality’s story.

Looking to the future, the Social Democrat noted that Viseu is “the largest urban centre in the country’s interior” and “enjoys a prime location, a key factor in attracting investment”, stating that the municipality is currently experiencing a “golden moment.”

“The volume of investments currently underway or planned by the Central Government and the Municipality for the coming years is among the highest ever; this represents a unique opportunity to strengthen our strategy for attracting investment and to boost development,” he emphasised.

Mota Faria called upon all residents of Viseu to engage in “active participation,” noting that “Viseu needs a society that is more demanding, strong, and organised, one that scrutinises closely and consists of citizens who are critical, exacting, proactive, and participatory,” and who “value democracy.”

“There may be political disagreements or differences regarding projects, strategies, and the direction of our municipality and region, but we know we are united on the essentials: love for our home and the desire for the best for our region.”

Centred on the slogan “Viseu Unites”, which was highlighted and praised in every speech, Municipal Day also featured the presentation of medals to staff members and Merit Awards to residents who “shaped and left their mark on the history and culture” of the municipality, including two posthumous awards: Jorge Fraga and Nuno Loureiro.

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