During a two-hour debate at Alfândega do Porto, candidates for the Porto municipality, led by independent Rui Moreira, addressed the urgent need to tackle housing problems, particularly the “absolutely inaccessible” prices, encourage the use of public transport over cars, and increase the number of police officers in the city streets. Discord emerged over the measures to resolve these issues, with each candidate proposing different solutions.
Regarding security, current vice-president and candidate of the independent movement “Fazer à Porto,” Filipe Araújo, emphasized the necessity for more officers on the streets, both from the Municipal Police and the PSP, to enhance safety.
António Araújo, from the “Porto à Porto” movement, also advocated for increased community policing in critical areas and a rise in the number of surveillance cameras.
Meanwhile, Manuel Pizarro of the PS highlighted drug trafficking as one of the city’s major security issues, which he believes requires more policing and social support for users to resolve.
To address insecurity, Pedro Duarte from the coalition “O Porto Somos Nós,” which includes PSD, IL, and CDS-PP, suggested more police, increased video surveillance, and improved public lighting.
Aníbal Pinto from Nova Direita mentioned that Porto is the third most crime-ridden city in Portugal, emphasizing the need for better incentives rather than just more officers on the streets.
Diana Ferreira of the CDU noted the disappearance of community policing and stressed the need for more officers, combating drug trafficking, and social intervention in consumption.
Nuno Cardoso, representing the “Porto Primeiro” movement, argued for equating the Municipal Police with the PSP.
Despite advocating for more police presence, BE’s Sérgio Aires insisted that Porto is one of the safest cities globally, making prevention essential but cautioning against causing alarm.
Vitorino Silva (RIR) expressed that the police should anticipate crime and currently lack the preparation to do so.
“There is nothing indicating that Porto is an unsafe city; what has increased is domestic and gender violence,” stated Hélder Sousa of Livre.
Alexandre Guilherme Jorge (Volt) also highlighted the rise in domestic, gender-based, and far-right violence.
Regarding housing, candidates agreed that home prices are “absolutely inaccessible,” particularly for young people, and immediate action is needed.
To address the issue, the 11 candidates proposed varied solutions, including focusing more on the cooperative sector, converting public and municipal unused property into housing, building and purchasing more, developing collaborative housing projects, controlling local accommodation, and selling social housing to current residents.
In terms of mobility, candidates emphasized promoting public transport and addressing issues on the VCI.
The current executive consists of six members elected by Rui Moreira’s independent movement, three from PS, two from PSD, one from CDU, and one from BE.
The local elections are expected to occur between September 22 and October 14 of this year.
