At a campaign lunch in Montemor-o-Velho, Coimbra district, Carneiro expressed confidence in the PS’s continued leadership in the municipality, similarly to his statements earlier in Condeixa-a-Nova, a town held by socialists since 1976.
“Do not think that democracy is only made by those elected every four years. Democracy is made by everyone. When we vote, but also when during the mandates, we follow what is done in the chamber, what is done in the municipal assembly, and what is done in the parish council,” he asserted.
For the PS leader, it is this engagement from voters “that makes communities grow,” urging that no one should think their voting is the end of their responsibilities.
“No, we cast our vote, but it is very important to follow those performing majority functions to ensure that in fulfilling these duties, they are adhering to the electoral commitments they made to the voters,” he appealed, stating that “this is how democracy is qualified.”
On a day when Coimbra district is the main focus for the PS caravan, which will conclude in Bragança at night, José Luís Carneiro started his morning with a walk through the center of Condeixa-a-Nova, a town under PS leadership since 1976.
The PS leader was confident about maintaining PS power despite internal divisions in the elections, following the steps of Liliana Pimentel, the former head of the Condeixa-a-Nova committee, who resigned and left the party over the municipal candidates’ selection process and is now running as an independent.
“My priority is victory. Our wealth is such that we have this peculiarity of having diverse candidacies,” he told journalists over a coffee table discussion.
PS selected the president of the Municipal Assembly, university professor António Figueiredo, as the candidate for the municipality’s leadership, currently headed by Nuno Moita, who is serving his last legally permitted consecutive term.
The socialist candidate conveyed to journalists “the highest expectations of victory despite having a dissident PS candidacy,” thanking “the Secretary-General’s presence” in the municipality during the official campaign period.
