António Braga, in presenting his candidacy, stated that he is open to utilizing a public-private partnership (PPP) if necessary.
“We are pragmatic about this issue,” said Braga, criticizing Ricardo Rio’s administration, which has led the Braga City Council for the past 12 years, for failing to plan for the city’s growth and the increased demand for housing.
Braga mentioned that in 2013, when the PS (Socialist Party) ceded the council leadership after Mesquita Machado’s 37-year “reign,” there was a housing surplus in the municipality, and prices were low.
Another key priority identified by Braga is the establishment of a public network of daycares and nurseries in a district where approximately 3,500 children are on waiting lists for such facilities.
Regarding mobility, he emphasized the need for constructing an external ring road to address the “main congestion” of traffic in the city.
He also criticized Ricardo Rio’s administration for inaction, asserting that the PS had previously safeguarded a corridor for the circular road’s development.
António Braga reiterated his criticism of the current administration’s decision to implement the BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) system, calling it “an aberration” that will not resolve traffic issues and advocating for a light rail solution instead.
“The BRT was a misguided proposal by the government [PS] and by those who accepted it,” he remarked.
Furthermore, Braga committed to supporting new business initiatives and creating a technological industrial park near the upcoming Braga TGV station.
The candidacy launch was attended by PS Secretary-General José Luís Carneiro and PAN’s spokesperson Inês Sousa Real.
Carneiro expressed confidence that António Braga would win the elections and become “one of the most significant mayors in the country.”
Inês Sousa Real highlighted the importance of mobility, climate change, and animal welfare in a district where “over 50% of families have pets.”
