Carlos Moedas Seeks Majority to Govern Lisbon, Outlines Housing and Development Plans
The current mayor of Lisbon, Carlos Moedas, is appealing to voters for "full conditions to govern" in the upcoming municipal elections on October 12. Leading the 'Por Ti, Lisboa' coalition, which includes the PSD, CDS-PP, and Iniciativa Liberal parties, Moedas has outlined his key commitments in an open letter, positioning his candidacy as a continuation of the work started during his first term. He stated, "it is not in just 4 years that the 14 lost years of socialist governance are recovered."
A central plank of his platform is a significant increase in the public housing supply. The proposal details the development of 250 hectares of land, including in the Vale de Chelas and Vale de Santo António areas, for the construction of housing, public amenities, and green spaces. Moedas described this as the "largest and most ambitious project" for Lisbon's housing sector. The policy also aims to revitalize historic neighborhoods such as Alfama, Graça, and Bairro Alto by promoting affordable housing targeted at younger populations.
In the open letter, Moedas contrasted his administration's achievements while in a minority with the potential of a majority government. "Much has been done in just four years, in a minority and without the full conditions to govern. Imagine what we can do with full conditions to govern," the letter states. He implicitly referenced political challenges, mentioning "blockades by the opposition moved by party calculations or by simple party intransigence."
The mayor's campaign also focuses on public services and quality of life. Commitments include a "necessary structural reform of urban hygiene," enhancing public spaces, and expanding the city's green areas. On public safety, the platform proposes the return of night watchmen and an increase in the capabilities of the Municipal Police. Furthermore, the coalition pledges to continue the transformation of the Carris public transport fleet to cleaner fuels and to improve service frequency.
The letter also serves as a direct critique of his main opponent, former minister Alexandra Leitão, who leads a coalition of left-wing parties. Moedas argues that "Lisbon and its people do not deserve to go back and compromise everything that has been done." The political debate is intensifying, with Leitão challenging the incumbent to more public debates to clarify their respective platforms for the city's voters. The 'Por ti, Lisboa' coalition formally submitted its list of candidates today, which Moedas described as being guided by "excellence, experience, and independence."
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