“Never exclude. In principle, we never exclude. That is the richness of local power,” stated João Ferreira during a campaign event that began at the Mercado de Arroios.
The communist candidate highlighted that this conversation can only happen after the elections, but the CDU “might have one [council seat], might have several, might have none.”
“All of this will depend on the results. Once we have the results, we will have that discussion,” he emphasized, noting gratitude for the CDU’s work on the streets and affirming that the coalition is committed to extending its support and “playing a decisive role in contributing” to the defeat of Carlos Moedas’ policies. Carlos Moedas is seeking re-election for the leadership of Lisbon’s City Hall by the PSD/CDS-PP/IL coalition.
He pointed out that although “PSD and CDS are losing support,” the municipality cannot be won by the PS taking votes from the CDU.
“If we want a change in Lisbon, we have to contest the vote of those who, four years ago, entrusted Carlos Moedas and now feel that trust was misplaced,” he stated, considering that “a second term for Moedas, with the PS in opposition, doing what it didn’t do in the last four years, would be tragic.”
On the fourth day of the campaign, João Ferreira began his day at the Mercado de Arroios, where the vendors’ complaints are numerous.
Rosa, who has been behind a vegetable stand for 50 years, complained about the lack of customers, the dearth of vendors, inadequate garbage collection which “is embarrassing,” and chaotic parking conditions.
Currently, the market has 17 vendors, with more empty stalls than those selling fish, frozen foods, vegetables, and fruits, along with two butchers, whereas there used to be 28 and “it was always full.”
“The reason is that there are many supermarkets nearby. Supermarkets have parking, and people buy everything there. To come to the market, they have to pay EMEL for parking. And they have different hours,” commented Rosa, the only Rosa at Mercado de Arroios, who shared her corridor with three vendors with the same name in the past.
During the visit, João Ferreira recalled the measures that the CDU presented at the City Hall, which led to municipal markets paying 30% less this year than in previous ones.
However, the markets have transitioned to parish councils, and currently, the municipality only manages Campo de Ourique and Ribeira at Cais de Sodré.
“Our proposal included two things: the city reduces [30%] in its markets and negotiates with the councils for them to adopt the same scenario,” explained João Ferreira, lamenting that most councils did not follow through.
Luísa, working at the Mercado de Arroios for 52 years, reminisced about the communists holding office in the City Hall, assuring that “there are no CDU councilors like there used to be.”
“There are no Otávio Patos like there used to be. No! There aren’t, no. With the same strength and determination,” she said, recalling the times it was enough to seek out the former communist leader in Lisbon, “an admirable man,” who would “link arms with them, if necessary,” to resolve issues.
“Don’t be so unfair with us. […] There are 17 councilors. I am one of 17. We are two from the CDU. And we don’t have assigned portfolios. We are in opposition,” justified the communist councilor, stressing that the CDU needs votes to gain more strength in the administration, under the skeptical gaze of Luísa, who isn’t “in João Ferreira’s camp,” yet votes CDU in her parish, but outside Lisbon.
In the upcoming municipal elections on October 12, candidates for the presidency of Lisbon City Hall include: Alexandra Leitão (PS/Livre/BE/PAN), Carlos Moedas (PSD/CDS-PP/IL), João Ferreira (CDU-PCP/PEV), Bruno Mascarenhas (Chega), Ossanda Líber (New Right), José Almeida (Volt), Adelaide Ferreira (ADN), Tomaz Ponce Dentinho (PPM/PTP), and Luís Mendes (RIR).
Currently, the municipal executive comprises seven elected members of the “New Times” coalition – PSD/CDS-PP/MPT/PPM/Alliance, seven from the “More Lisbon” coalition – PS/Livre, two from the CDU, and one from the BE.
