During a debate organized by the Associação de Dinamização da Baixa Pombalina (ADBP), Alexandra Leitão, the head of the PS/Livre/BE/PAN left-wing coalition list for the local elections on October 12, emphasized the importance of listening to “suggestions, complaints, criticisms” from merchants in an area that “personifies, like nothing else in Lisbon, two fundamental things.”
“On one hand, it is the heart and soul of what Lisbon is, and on the other, it encompasses this sometimes almost contradictory, challenging situation that Lisbon finds itself in certain areas, from the pressure of tourism to immigration, and the need to balance these with economic activities,” she outlined.
Leitão noted that the Baixa Pombalina area exhibits “the most perfect possible symbiosis between innovation, modernity, multiculturalism, and tourism,” but warned of the urgent need to “preserve what people come to see” in the city.
“Lisbon needs more balance, or put differently, it needs more balanced solutions between various things: between cars and airplanes, between tourism and tradition and respect for those who live here, between trees and construction,” she listed.
The candidate called for a “strategic vision for the Baixa Pombalina.”
“This strategy will be the defining parameter for a range of decisions, from licensing to increased oversight. […] Without being excessively policing—because I believe things should be done with some subtlety—there must be more oversight in various aspects,” she stated.
ADBP members conveyed their main concerns to the “Viver Lisboa” coalition head, focusing on safety, urban hygiene, the risk of disappearance of historic shops, licensing, and the challenge of distinguishing competencies between the City Council and parish councils.
“I have not yet conducted an in-depth study on competencies. Once I do, these conflicts will cease to exist,” Leitão promised, noting that one of her goals is to “improve services” of the local government.
Regarding security concerns in Baixa Pombalina, Leitão advocated for installing surveillance cameras, enhancing public lighting, and increasing community policing, while also emphasizing the need to “improve waste management,” by expanding collection days and redesigning “some circuits.”
“Immediate actions need to be taken, and they are feasible within the first two or three months, such as improving waste management, installing licensed surveillance cameras, licensing more, and increasing public lighting, which is fundamental,” she concluded.
The debate also featured Sérgio Cintra, the second candidate on the list, and Maria João Correia, a Socialist candidate for the Junta de Freguesia de Santa Maria Maior.
The current Mayor of Lisbon, Social Democrat Carlos Moedas, is the next candidate scheduled to participate in this series of meetings organized by the ADBP, on Friday. The association is still awaiting responses from João Ferreira (CDU – CDU and PEV coalition) and Bruno Mascarenhas (Chega).
