Political Heavyweight António Capucho Endorses Independent Jonet in Cascais Mayoral Race, Citing Urban Policy Failures
A significant fissure has appeared in the political establishment of Cascais, one of Portugal’s most sought-after coastal municipalities, as former three-term mayor António d’Orey Capucho has publicly withdrawn his support for the incumbent PSD/CDS coalition and endorsed independent candidate João Maria Jonet. In a strongly worded declaration, Capucho, a foundational figure in the Social Democratic Party (PSD), cited profound disagreements with the current municipal administration’s urban planning, housing strategy, and management of public spaces as the primary reasons for his decision. This move is expected to send shockwaves through the local political scene ahead of the October elections and could signal a potential shift in the region's lucrative real estate development trajectory.
Capucho, who led Cascais from 2001 with successive absolute majorities, detailed a stark critique of the policies enacted by the very party he helped build. He pointed to what he termed a 'fiasco' in the development of affordable housing, stating that the current leadership has failed to deliver on its promises and has missed an 'unprecedented' opportunity to utilize European Union funds for this purpose. He drew a direct and unfavorable comparison to the progress seen in neighboring councils such as Oeiras and Lisbon, suggesting Cascais is lagging significantly behind in providing accessible housing options for its residents. This criticism strikes at the heart of a growing debate in the Lisbon metropolitan area about housing affordability and social equity amid a booming property market.
The ex-mayor’s sharpest criticism was reserved for the municipality's urban and territorial planning. He condemned the 2015 revision of the Municipal Master Plan (PDM), which he argues has 'favored the excessive proliferation of constructions with exorbitant volume and of a very high range.' According to Capucho, this has not only damaged the 'pre-existing architectural heritage' of Cascais but has also proceeded without the 'necessary reinforcement of the infrastructures' required to support such dense, high-end development. This public condemnation from a figure of Capucho's stature lends considerable weight to concerns among residents and observers about overdevelopment and its impact on the quality of life and sustainability in the municipality.
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The decision to back João Maria Jonet was not taken lightly. Capucho revealed that he had been approached by the official PSD candidate for his support late last year. In response, he outlined specific conditions in writing, demanding 'guarantees that the planning and urbanism policy would be rectified and the PDM revised accordingly.' After receiving no reply, a second request for his support in July was met with the same conditions and, once again, silence. This lack of engagement, Capucho stated, demonstrated that the current coalition has no 'will for change,' prompting him to seek an alternative that aligns with his vision for the municipality's future.
In his statement, Capucho made it clear that while he does not contest the democratic legitimacy of the current administration, he holds the same right to criticize its policies and seek different solutions. 'I have decided to publicly express my support for the independent candidacy of João Maria Jonet, as I consider that due to his personal qualities, the team that accompanies him, and the program he presents, he is the right choice for the Cascais Municipal Council,' he affirmed. This endorsement is a powerful symbol of dissent from a party stalwart, potentially influencing a crucial segment of the electorate that values his legacy and long-standing connection to the community.
The implications of this political maneuver are significant for the real estate sector. A potential victory for an independent candidate backed by critics of the current development model could lead to a comprehensive overhaul of urban policy in Cascais. Investors and developers, who have benefited from the focus on luxury construction, may face a new landscape characterized by stricter regulations, a revised PDM, and a greater emphasis on sustainable infrastructure and affordable housing. The outcome of the election is now a critical event to watch, as it will determine whether Cascais continues its current path or pivots towards a new model of municipal management. Understand policy impacts on your Portugal property plans at realestate-lisbon.com.