Coalition of Livre, BE, and Volt challenges Mayor Isaltino Morais in Oeiras, citing lack of transparency
Leaders from the Livre, Bloco de Esquerda (BE), and Volt parties officially launched their municipal coalition, “Evoluir Oeiras,” on Sunday, presenting a unified front against the incumbent mayor of Oeiras, Isaltino Morais. At an event in the Miraflores Urban Park, the coalition, led by independent councilwoman Carla Castelo, accused the long-serving mayor of fostering a political environment characterized by “bullying” and a “lack of transparency,” a system they have termed “isaltinismo.” The political objective of the coalition is to provide a clear alternative for voters in the upcoming municipal elections scheduled for October 12, directly challenging the mayor's political movement, which holds significant influence in the affluent Lisbon-area municipality. The initiative aims to introduce a new phase of governance focused on integrity and democratic accountability, signaling a potential shift in local policy and administration that could affect residents and investors alike.
The strategic initiative is designed to consolidate opposition to the current administration, which the coalition argues has operated with insufficient oversight. Rui Tavares, the spokesperson for Livre, articulated the coalition's primary goal during his speech, stating that the movement intends to prepare for the future governance of Oeiras over the next four years, regardless of the immediate election outcome. He emphasized that the coalition represents the only genuine opposition to “isaltinismo,” urging voters to reject what he described as “fictitious” opposition that does not effectively challenge the status quo. The policy objectives center on enhancing transparency in municipal affairs and restoring what they see as a lack of integrity in local government. This political platform is targeted at residents of Oeiras, a municipality with one of the most highly educated populations in Portugal, whom Tavares believes are ready for a change in leadership and governance style.
The political debate in Oeiras involves multiple stakeholders, including the parties within the “Evoluir Oeiras” coalition and the independent movement led by Isaltino Morais, which is supported by the center-right PSD party. Fabian Figueiredo, a national leader from the Bloco de Esquerda, broadened the critique, defining “isaltinismo” as a political culture that has extended its influence to the mainstream Socialist and PSD parties at a local level. He praised the coalition's lead candidate, Carla Castelo, for her steadfast opposition despite facing what he described as persecution and “permanent bullying.” Figueiredo argued that her resilience has strengthened local democracy, asserting that no governing power should be exempt from robust opposition. He further criticized Mayor Morais for allegedly using the municipal budget to fund his social media strategy, framing it as an example of his authoritarian approach to governance.
The implementation strategy for the coalition involves a grassroots campaign to connect with voters and highlight the perceived failings of the current administration. Inês Bravo Figueiredo of Volt Portugal echoed the concerns about “opacity” and lack of transparency. She recalled that coalition members have persistently raised these issues for years, even when advised to accept a system where, as she put it, “they steal, but at least things get done.” The budget allocation and use of public funds are central to the coalition's critique, forming a key part of their platform for reform. The political support for the coalition stems from a voter base that seeks more accountability and a departure from the long-established political order in Oeiras. In the 2021 municipal elections, the coalition secured 7.27% of the vote, which was enough to elect Carla Castelo as a councilwoman and establish a foothold in the local political landscape.
The expected social and economic impact of a potential change in leadership could be significant for one of Portugal's wealthiest municipalities. A new administration focused on transparency could alter the processes for public contracts, urban development, and business licensing, potentially creating a more level playing field for investors and developers. The political opposition is framing the election as a pivotal moment for the future of local democracy in Portugal, with Oeiras serving as a high-profile case study. The debate over “isaltinismo” touches on broader themes of political accountability and the concentration of power in local government, issues that resonate beyond the municipality's borders. The future policy developments in Oeiras will be closely watched, as they could set a precedent for other municipalities grappling with similar challenges of long-term incumbency and calls for greater transparency.
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