Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas Presents Electoral Program Focused on Housing and Urban Renewal
Lisbon's incumbent mayor, Carlos Moedas, presented the electoral program for his 'Por Ti, Lisboa' coalition on Thursday, outlining his priorities for a potential second term ahead of the municipal elections on October 12. The program identifies housing, security, and mobility as key pillars, with a significant emphasis on large-scale residential construction and urban regeneration projects across the city.
Moedas announced what he termed "the largest and most ambitious project for Lisbon," a plan to develop 250 hectares of city land for new housing, urban facilities, and green spaces. The designated areas for this transformation include Vale de Santo António, Vale de Chelas, Quinta do Ferro, and Casal do Pinto. This initiative is positioned as a structural priority for the city's future, aiming to create entirely new residential neighborhoods and parks.
The housing development plan includes the construction of 2,400 homes in Vale de Santo António and over one thousand additional units throughout different parts of the Vale de Chelas. This large-scale construction effort is a direct response to Lisbon's ongoing housing crisis and is intended to significantly increase the city's housing stock. The mayor's program also includes the development of 12 new public facilities, which he refers to as the "Local Social State," comprising three health centers, five schools, and four daycare centers to support the growing communities.
In addition to creating new neighborhoods, Moedas's platform addresses the depopulation of Lisbon's historic districts through the 'De Volta ao Bairro' (Back to the Neighborhood) program. This initiative aims to provide affordable housing for young people by renovating 710 municipally-owned properties in areas such as Alfama, Bica, and Mouraria. The objective is to "bring the young people back" and revitalize the social fabric of these iconic city centers.
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The program also details significant investments in mobility designed to reduce automobile traffic and improve public transportation. Key proposals include the introduction of a Metrobus line connecting Lisbon and Oeiras and a new tram line to Loures. Furthermore, the plan commits to the energy transition of the Carris public transport fleet, aiming for a fully zero-emission vehicle fleet.
Other measures outlined in the electoral program include a reduction in the number of municipal fees and a general effort to combat excessive bureaucracy, aiming to create a more efficient administrative environment for residents and businesses. The housing and urban development proposals signal a clear policy direction, focusing on substantial public and private investment to reshape the city's landscape and address its most pressing demographic and infrastructure challenges.
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