In a joint statement, the parties forming a coalition for the October 12 elections demand the immediate resignation following a report suggesting real estate dealings by Alexandre Almeida are under suspicion. The concerns focus on the purchase of two T3 apartments for €206,000 and the sale of one on the same day for €222,500.
The report highlights Almeida’s ongoing involvement since 2013 with Didalma, a real estate company formed with his ex-wife. From a net profit of €123 in 2022, the company is projected to reach approximately €200,000 in 2024, with €460,000 in sales and service revenues.
Responding to the allegations, Almeida stated that both properties were acquired through a promissory purchase and sale contract (CPCV) on January 13, 2020, when the building was still under construction. At this time, Almeida was already the municipal president, a role he assumed in 2017, while the property developer relied on council decisions.
The CPCV indicated that the architecture project awaited municipal approval. A report by the local government regarding the second revision of the Municipal Master Plan showed that the council issued a permit on November 11, 2020.
“The report reveals Almeida made over €100,000 in a single day from the apartment’s purchase and sale, documented by a notary. The troubling aspect is that Almeida purchased the apartment from the developer before the work was licensed, an action dependent on him and his executive, thus gaining significant capital gain,” state the municipal political committees of PSD and CDS-PP in Paredes.
These parties criticize “the opacity in how the current Municipal Master Plan was revised, favoring some over others.”
“After taking office, Almeida entered the real estate sector, established accounting businesses, transacted properties at high values, and achieved remarkable profits,” accuses the PSD/CDS-PP coalition.
The parties deem it “intolerable that the mayor is tarnishing the municipality’s reputation,” expressing shame for the residents who entrusted him.
The coalition has announced a press conference to cross-reference the latest disclosures with council meeting decisions and minutes, potentially clarifying Almeida’s actions.
They also urge the PS General Secretary, José Luís Carneiro, to officially withdraw political confidence from Almeida and take a definitive stance on the matter.
Lusa news agency has queried the Paredes Council regarding the allegations against the mayor, awaiting a response. Concurrently, Lusa has inquired with the Attorney General’s Office about potential investigations into Almeida by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, with no reply yet received.
