PAN Candidate Mariana Crespo Vows to Limit Tourist Rentals and Boost Public Housing in Setúbal
Mariana Crespo, the mayoral candidate for the PAN party in Setúbal, has announced a comprehensive housing policy aimed at tackling the city's affordability crisis. The central tenet of her platform is that housing in the municipality should prioritize the needs of local residents, workers, and students above all else. The candidate stated that development must balance economic growth with environmental protection and social justice, positioning Setúbal as a 'city of the future'.
A key measure in her proposal is the mobilization of Setúbal's vacant housing stock. The plan involves creating specific incentives for property owners to rehabilitate and reintroduce these empty homes into the rental market. This initiative is designed to increase the overall housing supply and alleviate pressure on prices. In conjunction with this, Crespo's administration would promote new, large-scale affordable rental programs, enabling local families to secure housing without compromising their financial stability.
Addressing the impact of the tourism industry on the local real estate market, the PAN candidate has pledged to limit the proliferation of new short-term tourist accommodations, particularly in neighborhoods already experiencing significant price pressure. This policy aims to find a sustainable equilibrium between the tourism economy and the community's right to housing. The municipality would also take a more direct role by investing in the development of public and cooperative housing projects, offering quality, affordable alternatives to the private market.
Crespo emphasized that these new housing solutions must be integrated within a framework of sustainable urban planning. This approach would prioritize the creation of green spaces, the promotion of 'soft mobility' options like walking and cycling, and ensuring close proximity to essential services, thereby enhancing the overall quality of life for residents. The candidate's vision is clear: 'Housing is a fundamental right and cannot be treated as a mere instrument of real estate speculation.'
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The candidate also outlined a broader agenda for sustainable development, which includes the protection of the region's significant natural assets, such as the Sado Estuary and the Serra da Arrábida. Her environmental policy proposes the implementation of binding protocols for local industries to reduce emissions and improve air and water quality, with all data made public to ensure transparency and allow for citizen oversight. This includes a specific municipal plan to protect the Sado Estuary's dolphin population through permanent water quality monitoring and the regulation of maritime traffic.
Regarding mobility, a major concern for residents, the platform calls for a complete rethinking of the city's transport network. This includes a transition to a fleet of electric buses, better coordination of schedules between different areas, and the integration of ticketing systems across train, bus, and ferry services. The construction of a safe, continuous network of bicycle lanes is also a priority. These policies are designed to reduce dependency on private cars and improve air quality.
Finally, Crespo addressed the future of two underutilized public spaces. She proposed converting the former Imapark site into an innovation hub focused on green technology and creative industries to attract investment and talent. The Carlos Relvas Bullring would be transformed into a multifunctional cultural and community venue, with its use for bullfighting permanently discontinued, symbolizing a modern city that values culture and animal rights. Understand policy impacts on your Portugal property plans at realestate-lisbon.com.