Housing and Mobility Dominate Sintra Municipal Debate
The critical issues of mobility and housing were the central themes of a debate held by TSF and Jornal de Notícias, featuring the candidates for the Sintra Municipal Council. As the country's second-largest municipality by population, Sintra faces significant challenges beyond its well-known tourist attractions. The debate highlighted the ongoing stagnation in the local transportation network and a housing crisis that is affecting thousands of its residents. The candidates presented their post-election political strategies, with Ana Mendes Godinho promising to engage with all parties that defend 'humanist values,' referencing her past experience as a minister within the 'geringonça' government. Rita Matias, representing the Chega party, assured that she would serve as a councilor if not elected mayor, but expressed confidence that 'Sintra will be the test tube' for a future national government led by her party. Pedro Ventura of the CDU, who previously held a position within the socialist executive of Basílio Horta, stated his objective is to challenge single-party majority rule. Maurício Rodrigues, the candidate for CDS-PP, ruled out an agreement with the PSD, describing the candidacy of Marco Almeida as a 'personal project.' The debate proceeded with few interruptions until Rita Matias accused other political parties of attempting to co-opt Chega candidates by offering them positions, although she did not provide specific details about these alleged attempts. The discussion underscored the political priority being given to resolving Sintra's housing and infrastructure deficits, signaling that these areas will be a primary focus for the next municipal government. Understand policy impacts on your Portugal property plans at realestate-lisbon.com.