CDU Candidate João Ferreira Criticizes PS for Enabling Moedas' Policies in Lisbon
In the run-up to the 2025 municipal elections, the political debate in Lisbon is intensifying, with housing policy at the forefront of the discussion. João Ferreira, the confirmed candidate for the CDU coalition (PCP and PEV) for the Lisbon City Council, has publicly criticized the Socialist Party (PS) of Lisbon for its role in approving the municipal budgets of the current mayor, Carlos Moedas. According to Ferreira, this support from the PS has effectively enabled the entire policy platform of the current center-right administration. This political analysis highlights the complex alliances within the Lisbon municipal government and sets the stage for a contentious election campaign where housing will be a central issue. The policy objectives of the CDU, as outlined by its candidate, are to provide concrete solutions to what he identifies as the city's main problems.
During a campaign event held in the Penha de França parish, Ferreira stated that the CDU possesses the most effective proposals to address the housing crisis, issues of urban hygiene, and the perceived degradation of public spaces in the capital. The choice of Penha de França for this announcement was strategic, as it is a densely populated residential area where these urban issues are particularly resonant with voters. The candidate's speech directly targeted the performance of the current mayor, who is also a candidate for re-election, making it clear that the CDU's strategy involves a direct challenge to the incumbent's record. This focus on housing affordability and quality of life issues is designed to attract voters who are dissatisfied with the current state of the city.
The implementation strategy proposed by Ferreira includes a series of measures aimed at reversing current trends. On the issue of public security, he criticized Mayor Moedas's policies as “ineffective” and advocated for a different approach based on “esquadras de proximidade” (community police stations). This proposal aims to increase police visibility and engagement at the neighborhood level, which the CDU argues would be more effective in addressing local security concerns. The political opposition from the CDU is therefore not limited to housing but extends to a broader critique of the current governance model for Lisbon. As the candidate for a coalition that is not aligned with the one being formed by the PS, currently led by Alexandra Leitão, João Ferreira is positioning the CDU as a distinct and critical voice in Lisbon politics. The stakeholder consultation process for the upcoming elections will likely see these themes of housing, urban management, and security debated extensively among all competing parties.
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