Portugal is constantly engaged in elections. Unfortunately, they start well before the official campaign period and persist long after, leaving signs scattered all over the streets.
Consider that we have had legislative elections within a year (2024 and 2025). Now, we face local elections that coincide with the presidential elections.
The visual pollution from billboards is overwhelming and undesirable. It is an eyesore, a nuisance, obscures traffic signs, and reduces visibility for drivers, among other issues.
Some billboards present candidates like beauty products up for sale, with faces that appear retouched and younger. Others draw inspiration from real estate companies like Remax.
Campaigns are run without acknowledging that the world has changed; there might be cheaper and more effective ways to reach people.
While the right to political and electoral propaganda cannot be restricted, it could be regulated with designated spaces and specific rules.
I acknowledge that billboards are the most effective way to convey messages, yet the swarm of billboards demands standards and order.
After elections, propaganda should have a removal deadline—a 20-day period would suffice. Once elections are over, the intended message becomes obsolete.
Outside the electoral period, political and electoral messages should not be permissible. Other methods such as social media could be utilized.
The minister overseeing municipalities should collaborate with local leaders to reach a consensus and implement regulations nationwide, including the islands.
I support a limit on propaganda both before and after elections.
It is time for politics to become more transparent, closer to the people, and more educational. Instead of tiresome speeches, there should be a focus on public debates, political literacy, and clarifying program measures.
Visual pollution in public spaces creates discomfort and aversion due to the abundance of political posters, advertisements, banners, signs, and billboards.”
