Lisbon Mayoral Election: Former Union Leader Carvalho da Silva Signals Probable Vote for Left-Wing Coalition
A prominent figure in Portuguese politics, Manuel Carvalho da Silva, has publicly stated his probable intention to vote for the left-wing coalition led by Alexandra Leitão in Lisbon's upcoming municipal elections. The declaration by the former secretary-general of the CGTP union, a historical voice of the Portuguese left, introduces a new dynamic into the race for the capital's city hall, currently presided over by center-right mayor Carlos Moedas of the PSD party.
During an interview on Rádio Observador's 'Comissão de Inquérito' program this Tuesday, Carvalho da Silva articulated the strategic reasoning behind his choice. He highlighted the distinct nature of municipal elections in Portugal, where the candidate with the most votes directly wins the mayoralty, unlike the proportional representation system of national legislative elections that allows for post-election governing alliances. “Whoever comes out on top is the force that presides over the council. There are no other majorities,” he noted, explaining his support for a unified “solution of the left” to secure leadership in Lisbon.
This stance places him in support of the coalition comprising the Socialist Party (PS), Bloco de Esquerda (BE), Livre, and PAN, and at odds with the independent candidacy of the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP), represented by João Ferreira. Carvalho da Silva, while no longer a PCP member, has long been associated with the party. He clarified that he understands the PCP's decision to run separately, stating, “It is sending signals that need to be read carefully... it is playing a very important role and wants to mark its distance and occupy its space, and that is absolutely legitimate.”
The potential shift in governance is a central theme of the election. A political analyst, Dr. Sofia Almeida from the University of Lisbon, commented on the development. “Carvalho da Silva’s endorsement, while personal, carries symbolic weight. It could persuade undecided voters on the left who are torn between the coalition and the PCP to vote strategically for Leitão to unseat Moedas. In a tight race, this could be decisive.” The current administration under Carlos Moedas has focused on attracting tech investment and managing urban development, policies that a left-wing coalition has pledged to review with a greater emphasis on housing affordability.
Need Expert Guidance?
Get personalized insights from verified real estate professionals, lawyers, architects, and more.
The debate over housing policy is central to the campaign. The Leitão coalition has indicated it would explore measures such as reinforcing rent controls in certain zones and increasing the municipal housing stock, potentially through the acquisition of vacant properties. A report from the Instituto Nacional de Estatística (INE) earlier this year noted that housing prices in the Lisbon metropolitan area have continued to rise, albeit at a slower pace of 4.2% year-over-year, a key issue for all candidates.
Carvalho da Silva also made pointed remarks about the incumbent mayor, Carlos Moedas. He recounted having a positive personal relationship with Moedas after his term as a European Commissioner but stated that recent actions have changed his perspective. “He has shown signs of personal behavior that honestly irritate me,” Carvalho da Silva said. “It will be healthy for the city of Lisbon and beyond if he is not the winner of the next elections.”
The election is shaping up to be a contest of competing visions for Lisbon's future. The current administration champions a model of economic liberalism and international investment, while the left-wing coalition proposes a stronger focus on social welfare and regulatory control over the housing market. The PCP, with its own platform, continues to advocate for workers' rights and public services. The outcome will determine the direction of urban planning, tourism regulation, and public investment in Portugal's capital for the next four years.
Understand policy impacts on your Portugal property plans at realestate-lisbon.com.