The Bloco de Esquerda leader made this appeal at a rally in Lisbon during the local election campaign for socialist candidate Alexandra Leitão, attended by leaders of the PS, Livre, and PAN, who collectively form the “Viver Lisboa” coalition with the BE. The former presidential candidate reflected on 1989, when Jorge Sampaio successfully united all left-wing forces – including the PCP, a unity absent in this election – to win the capital’s city hall.
The mention of Jorge Sampaio, former President of the Republic and the socialist leader, met with widespread applause in the hall.
Marisa Matias stated, “the whole country is watching the capital, all left-wing people are rooting for Lisbon because they want a fairer world, a fairer city and trust the Viver Lisboa coalition.”
The Bloco de Esquerda representative insisted the coalition remains resolute, declaring, “Lisbon deserves more.”
“Lisbon deserves a woman as Mayor,” she entreated.
In a speech critical of the current mayoral governance by social democrat Carlos Moedas, candidate for the “Por ti, Lisboa” coalition supported by PSD, IL, and CDS-PP, Marisa Matias shared the story of a Lisbon resident named Sofia, whose rent increased from 500 to 800 euros.
“Sofia sought help from the Lisbon City Hall and received the response, ‘sorry, support applications for this year are already closed, there’s nothing to be done’,” she recounted.
Critiquing the annual nature of housing assistance, Matias added, “Unfortunately, it is happening because Carlos Moedas’s Lisbon is a Lisbon of there’s nothing to be done.”
In the upcoming local elections on Sunday, the candidates vying for the presidency of Lisbon’s City Hall include Alexandra Leitão, Carlos Moedas, João Ferreira (CDU – PCP/PEV), Bruno Mascarenhas (Chega), Ossanda Líber (Nova Direita), José Almeida (Volt), Adelaide Ferreira (ADN), Tomaz Ponce Dentinho (PPM/PTP), and Luís Mendes (RIR).
The current municipal executive comprises seven elected members from the “Novos Tempos” coalition (PSD/CDS-PP/MPT/PPM/Aliança), seven from the “Mais Lisboa” coalition (PS/Livre), two from the CDU, and one from the BE.
