Chega Candidate in Palmela Pledges to Overhaul Housing Policy, Citing Years of Stagnation
Afonso Brandão, the mayoral candidate for the Chega party in Palmela, has announced a political agenda focused on dismantling bureaucratic barriers that he claims have paralyzed the municipality's housing and business sectors for years. In a wide-ranging interview, Brandão detailed his plans to address what he describes as systemic failures in the local government, specifically targeting the two-year waiting period for housing construction approvals, which he called 'unacceptable' and promised to eliminate within his first three months in office. He pointed to the loss of a significant film studio investment as direct evidence of how these delays deter economic development in the region, which is part of the Lisbon metropolitan area.
The candidate’s policy objectives are rooted in a critique of the current political 'system,' which he associates with corruption and an excessive tax burden. Brandão, who has a 30-year management career in the local automotive industry, stated that his administration would prioritize 'transparency, rigor, and sound accounts,' including an immediate and unreserved audit of the municipal finances upon taking office. He criticized the current executive for inefficient spending, such as the €700,000 annual expenditure on rented office space for council services, proposing instead the consolidation of all services into a single, municipally-owned building to improve efficiency and cut costs.
The implementation strategy for these changes involves a complete review of the council's operational structure. Brandão mentioned the need to study personnel allocation, requalify employees, and modernize the 'completely obsolete' IT infrastructure. His approach to governance is framed as a decisive break from the practices of 'traditional parties,' emphasizing action over 'show.' He stated that his electoral program is still under development, noting, 'the secret is the soul of the business,' and that details would be shared once finalized.
The housing crisis in Palmela is a central focus of Brandão's campaign, with specific attention given to the proliferation of illegal construction and irregularly registered developments, known as AUGIs (Áreas Urbanas de Génese Ilegal). He identified these as a 'scourge' and linked their resolution to a thorough analysis of the Municipal Master Plan (PDM), which has been contested and returned for revisions. Brandão committed to including this matter in his agenda, aiming to establish a clear legal framework to address the longstanding problem of clandestine housing.
The controversial Palmela Village development was highlighted as a primary example of municipal mismanagement. The candidate reported that the development has a 'fossa a céu aberto' (open-air septic tank), creating a severe environmental problem. While acknowledging that the property owners include major entities like Pelicano, Novo Banco, and a North American investment fund, Brandão holds the Palmela Municipal Council responsible for the crisis, alleging it passed illegal housing licenses. 'The blame lies with the Council,' he asserted, promising to resolve the situation despite its legal complexities, stating that 'people were deceived.' He suggested connecting the development's failing wastewater treatment plant to a nearby municipal one as a potential solution.
When questioned about his party's engagement with the corporate entities responsible for Palmela Village, Brandão confirmed that his team has spoken with the residents' association but has not approached the Pelicano company directly. 'We are candidates, and we will never put the cart before the horse,' he explained, indicating that direct negotiations would only occur after a potential electoral victory. This stance reflects a broader strategy of positioning his party as an external force ready to confront established interests once in power.
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The candidate's proposed policies reflect a populist and nationalist ideology, promising support for Portuguese citizens in need of social housing while adopting a firm stance against those perceived as a drain on public resources. 'Social housing, if it has to exist, will exist for those who really need it. For those who come to burden us with taxes, there is nothing,' he declared. This position, combined with his focus on cutting government waste and corruption, forms the core of his appeal to voters in Palmela.
The political debate in Palmela also touches on broader national issues. Brandão defended his party's anti-system credentials by highlighting its unique proposals, such as reducing the number of parliamentary deputies and having its elected officials donate their salary increases to charitable causes. He characterized Chega's role as one that will 'break' with a 'sick system' that other parties wish to maintain.
The local executive's performance over the past four years was deemed insufficient by Brandão, who cited failures across urbanism, youth, health, and education. He pointed to the slow progress on infrastructure projects, such as a new GNR police post in Poceirão, as further evidence of the current administration's ineffectiveness. His campaign promises a more proactive and efficient municipal government, capable of attracting businesses and improving the quality of life for residents.
The political landscape in Palmela is thus set for a contentious election, with housing and development at the forefront of the debate. Brandão's campaign represents a significant challenge to the incumbent powers, promising radical changes to how the municipality is governed. The outcome will be closely watched by residents, developers, and investors, as it could signal a major shift in policy and priorities for this key area within the Lisbon region.
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