“It was a challenging path, a tough journey. I came with the label of a party that people like to label, but I think I managed to convey the message that I am here for the people, that there is no xenophobia, no racism, and that I am here to work”.
The coalition Avançar Coimbra (PS/Livre/PAN) led by Ana Abrunhosa won the local elections on Sunday in Coimbra, securing five seats; the coalition Juntos Somos Coimbra (PSD/IL/CDS/NC/PPM/V/MPT), led by José Manuel Silva, who has been the president until now, also secured five seats, while Chega won one seat, removing CDU from the elected lineup.
This marks the first time Chega will be part of the Coimbra municipal executive, with the belief that “the arrogance is over” and that it will not allow “anyone to be arrogant”.
“Of course, I would have liked a different result; I always said I wanted to win, but we went to the polls, and the people decide. Now it is time to work for everyone, not just for the city, but for the entire municipality, which has been neglected and mistreated,” she stated.
In statements to the news agency Lusa, Maria Lencastre Portugal noted that her work and that of her team was Herculean, in a fight against two major coalitions.
“CDU is also one of the losers of Sunday night. At the start of the campaign, I was completely unknown, and I can only be genuinely happy because I conveyed the message that politics is a service to the population”.
When asked about a possible alliance with one of the coalitions, considering each secured five seats, Maria Lencastre Portugal said she would wait to be contacted.
“I intend to wait for them to contact me to understand what the programs are, what is more favorable for our city and municipality. If they don’t want to contact me, that’s fine too, because I will always be in favor of the population and never in search of any position”.
