Cascais Mayoral Candidate Pledges €357 Million for 3,600 Public Homes
Nuno Piteira Lopes, the candidate representing the 'Viva Cascais' coalition (PSD/CDS-PP) for the mayoralty of Cascais, has announced a major policy platform centered on housing, mobility, and security. Speaking to the Lusa news agency, Lopes, the current vice-president of the municipality, detailed a plan to construct 3,600 public housing units by 2028, with a projected investment of €357 million. This initiative is a direct response to the housing affordability crisis and aims to ensure that residents are not forced to leave the municipality due to market pressures.
Lopes formally launched his campaign in São Domingos de Rana, outlining his vision to "transform Cascais into the capital of quality of life in Portugal." While expressing loyalty to the work of the current administration, he emphasized his intention to "lead a new municipal cycle" rather than simply manage existing policies. Housing was presented as a top priority, with the candidate guaranteeing that his administration would act decisively so that "no one will be forced to leave Cascais for not being able to access the market."
The policy announcement carries significant weight in one of Portugal's most sought-after and expensive residential areas. The commitment of €357 million to public housing represents a substantial intervention aimed at balancing the local property market. In addition to housing, Lopes detailed an ambitious plan for regional mobility. He proposed that the municipalities of Cascais, Oeiras, and Lisbon jointly assume control of the Cascais railway line. "We want to take over... the management and concession of the Cascais railway line. Manage the stations, the trains, the offer, the customers. We believe that the municipalities are in a position to do the best possible management," he argued. This follows Cascais's earlier move to make local public bus transport free for residents.
On the subject of public safety, the candidate's platform includes the installation of a network of 440 video surveillance cameras throughout the municipality, coupled with a plan to increase the number of officers in the Municipal Police force. These proposals form a three-pronged strategy to enhance the quality of life, which Lopes has defined as the central ambition of his candidacy. The municipal elections, scheduled for October 12, will see several candidates competing for leadership of the influential coastal municipality. Understand policy impacts on your Portugal property plans at realestate-lisbon.com.
