Public spending to organize World Youth Day (WYD) in Lisbon in August will amount to 30 million euros, the government said in a statement this Saturday.
The responsibilities and obligations assumed by the state on World Youth Day could amount to “up to 21.8 million euros,” according to a note sent to Lusa by the Office of the Deputy Minister and Parliamentary Affairs.
Added to this amount is 8.2 million euros from the contract “awarded to IP (Infraestruturas de Portugal) for the relocation of the container terminal”.
“Total public expenditure: ME 30”, excluding value added tax (VAT) here, as it is returned to the state, the government notes, adding that “the state will also participate through support, namely in the field of health, security, assistance and mobility.”
The aforementioned €21.8 million includes a “complex of costs assumed” by the state, including amounts related to the mission unit, the acquisition of multimedia towers, sanitary facilities, television transmission, water supply, a military bridge, the promotion of the country abroad, command and center security, a support center for the national and international press,” said Ana Catarina Mendez’s ministry.
He also says that the €8.2 million is the result of a contract to relocate the container terminal “as part of the re-qualification, environmental improvement and coastal use of the Bobadela Park.”
These figures, released this Saturday, correct estimates made by the government in October, which show spending around 36.5 million euros for World Youth Day.
Celebrating World Youth Day in Lisbon will cost at least 161 million euros, according to estimates provided by the Catholic Church, the government and the municipalities of Lisbon and Loures.
WYD spending came into the spotlight this week after it was revealed that the construction of the altar stage in Tejo Park (9 meters high and 2,000 capacity), run by the Metropolitan Municipality, was commissioned by Mota-Engil for 4.24 million euros (plus VAT), plus 1.06 million euros for the indirect roof foundation.
WYD is the largest meeting of young Catholics from all over the world with the Pope, which takes place every two to three years, from July to August.
This year it takes place in Lisbon from August 1st to 6th, and about 1.5 million people are expected.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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