Confronted in Amadora multiple times with the options of the Social Democrat candidate for mayor, Mariana Leitão avoided criticizing Suzana Garcia but reaffirmed that the IL has its own political options in municipalities where there are no suitable options.
“The growth of populists or more populist rhetoric stems from the fact that people are extremely disillusioned, in desperate situations where they see no solutions,” warned the liberal leader.
What “Iniciativa Liberal brings differently are these solutions,” through “the policies we have in various areas of our country,” providing “solutions to people, and that solution is what will allow them to have hope for a better future,” explained Mariana Leitão, refusing to align with “populist rhetoric.”
“We do not identify with that way of doing politics. What we want is to present solutions because that’s what people need,” explained the IL leader, recalling that this is the party’s commitment “in all electoral acts.”
“Across the country, we [seek] to bring solutions to people so that they have hope for a better future.”
In Amadora, where she visited the Estrela da Amadora stadium and spoke with club officials, Mariana Leitão did not comment on tonight’s dinner between the PSD candidate, Suzana Garcia, and former Social Democrat leaders Passos Coelho and Manuela Ferreira Leite.
Evading questions about the absence of a coalition with the PSD in the municipality, Mariana Leitão insisted that decisions were made in collaboration with local structures.
During the visit, the liberal leader received a club jersey on the field. “I think what’s important in my visit to Amadora is not to comment on what happens in other parties’ campaigns, but to focus on what matters,” which is what “we can do for the people living in Amadora,” explained Mariana Leitão.
In the case of Amadora, the choice for a stand-alone list aims to address the needs of the municipality and what is the priority of liberal politics.
In the municipality, the IL presents Eduardo Conceição as the candidate for the Chamber and Bruno Nogueira for the Municipal Assembly, in a city where the PS seeks to maintain autarchic hegemony.
