Former Minister of Labor, Solidarity and Social Security, Ana Mendes Godinho, announced her candidacy at a primary school in the parish of Algueirão-Mem Martins. She promised to “create and expand the network of nurseries with 6,000 new spots for free access.”
Highlighting a “key priority” in mobility, Godinho declared her commitment to transform the Sintra railway line into a metro-like operation, with “regular and predictable trains every 10 minutes.”
“In parallel, we see the necessity to secure BRT bus connections between Sintra, Cascais, Oeiras, and Odivelas, acknowledging, of course, Sintra’s centrality in the metropolitan area. We also plan to establish direct bus routes between Sintra and Lisbon, connecting various areas of the municipality to multiple points in the metropolitan area,” she added.
The candidate reaffirmed her previously stated commitment to “abolish tolls on the A16 for residents, workers, and businesses in the municipality,” viewing it as “a substantial investment but a fair measure” that “helps decongest the overloaded IC19 daily.”
In the presence of PS Secretary-General José Luís Carneiro and Livre co-spokesperson Rui Tavares, Godinho committed to “an ambitious housing program in Sintra that guarantees a house per family, leveraging local strategic work already underway.”
“We believe that with this focused plan, we can introduce 10,000 homes to the market at affordable prices and rents by 2030. The council will lead without hesitation, collaborating with the private and cooperative sectors, as it’s time to end mutual distrust,” she said.
If she leads the municipal executive, Ana Mendes Godinho intends to approve a “program aimed at landlords willing to rent out homes at affordable costs, with the council assuming the risk and supporting necessary renovations to restore the homes for habitation.”
Additionally, the former minister pledged to maintain the health investments of current Sintra council president, Basílio Horta, who reached the limit of three terms with the PS.
“Recognizing that there can be no healthcare without professionals, we will provide 200 housing units for doctors and nurses who join the staff at the new hospital and health centers in the municipality,” she stated.
Ana Mendes Godinho praised the commitment of the council president in the construction of the new Sintra Hospital, slated for opening soon. She suggested the facility be named after the mayor, although Basílio Horta dismissed this, noting, “The Government chooses the name” and describing it as “a joint effort.”
The Sintra council, part of the Lisbon district, is led by the PS, which secured five mandates in 2021. The coalition led by social democrat Ricardo Baptista Leite won four seats, Chega elected Nuno Afonso (who became independent), and the CDU (PCP/PEV) elected Pedro Ventura.
Other known candidates so far include Marco Almeida (PSD/IL), Maurício Rodrigues (CDS-PP), Rita Matias (Chega), and Pedro Ventura (CDU).
Municipal elections are scheduled for October 12.
