After overturning 28 years of PSD governance, the newly elected mayor in Sunday’s local elections stated in an interview that her only motive for running was “to work,” and not due to “partisan or ideological reasons.”
Although the PS won the mayoral seat, only five of Bragança’s 39 parishes shifted to the PS, with the majority remaining PSD. However, Isabel Ferreira emphasized, “the parish presidents, whether PS or PSD, are all the same” and can count on her “full loyalty and collaboration to fulfill their commitments.”
The Brigantinos also chose PS’s Jorge Novo as the lead candidate to preside over the Municipal Assembly. However, the PS did not secure enough mandates for a majority. The PS gained 20 mandates and added five elected parish presidents, totaling 25. Conversely, the PSD secured 18 mandates, but with 34 elected parish presidents, holds the majority.
This scenario may lead the PSD to present a candidacy for the assembly and win. Responding to this situation, Isabel Ferreira stated she is “ready to work with whoever is elected.”
“The Municipal Assembly is crucial for scrutinizing the executive’s actions, but that is all. Governance is the executive’s responsibility,” she noted.
Still, she believes the people’s decision should be sovereign. “It is clear that people want the assembly to be presided over by Jorge Novo,” she stressed.
Isabel Ferreira presents herself as “available” and assures her governance will be marked by “proximity.”
“Proximity means being constantly available for people, being with them, and striving to solve their problems,” she said.
She underscored that the people of Bragança can expect her “total dedication.”
“Working tirelessly to achieve enough in one term. I am convinced this will be enough to notice change,” she reiterated.
The change will start with the “modernization of the City Council’s structure,” allowing for better use of resources to implement projects. She plans to create a department dedicated to European funds and another to support parish councils, as presidents “need technical support,” especially concerning “public procurement” issues.
Isabel Ferreira intends not to miss out on European funds, seeing them as a key to Bragança’s development.
“The council must drive these financial tools, encouraging our companies, higher education institutions, social organizations, and other potential beneficiaries to use these European funds,” she explained.
While acknowledging infrastructure issues, such as roads, sanitation, and sports facilities, as well as incomplete projects like the Museum of the Portuguese Language, Isabel Ferreira believes “ensuring employment and business investment” and providing “conditions for investors” will always be the priority.
Technological innovation, entrepreneurship, and private investment are her core strategies, with plans to create a specific program for entrepreneurship and investors.
“We are a district capital; we must have greater ambitions. We need to discuss transportation, housing, technological innovation, and employment, at least these four areas should be addressed initially,” she emphasized.
In Sunday’s local elections, the PS secured 50.31% of the votes with four seats, while the PSD collected 41.42% of the votes, electing three councilors.
The date for the new municipal executive’s inauguration remains unknown.
