The campaign management of Chega, led by former Socialist and independent councilor António Parada in his run for the Matosinhos City Hall, expressed strong condemnation over recent events.
“Chega is unfortunately familiar with such attacks, recalling incidents like the office being set on fire and vandalized billboards in Matosinhos,” it noted.
The house of the Democratic Alliance (AD) candidate for the Custóias Parish Council, in Matosinhos, district of Porto, was shot at today, a case that has been reported to the PSP, as announced by AD/Matosinhos.
AD additionally stressed that several candidates from their lists in Matosinhos have faced coercion and intimidation in recent days.
Chega stated these incidents do not honor democracy and only aim to instill fear and political intimidation. They added, “We absolutely reject any acts of violence, coercion, or threats against candidates, parties, or citizens.”
According to Chega’s campaign direction, politics should be conducted through proposals, debate, and commitment to the people, never through violence.
Chega demanded a thorough investigation by the competent authorities and called for those responsible to be brought to justice, reaffirming their commitment to a close and determined campaign.
Candidates running for the Matosinhos City Hall include the current mayor, Luísa Salgueiro of the PS, Social Democrat Bruno Pereira, CDU councilor José Pedro Rodrigues, former Socialist and independent councilor António Parada for Chega, former president of the Left Bloc parliamentary group Pedro Filipe Soares, Filipe Garcia for IL, and Diana Sá for Livre.
The current executive consists of seven elected members from the PS, one from the PSD, one independent, one from the António Parada Sim! movement, and one from the CDU.
The local elections are scheduled for October 12.
