The CDU coalition in Vila Nova de Gaia, consisting of the PCP and the PEV, claims that the announced intention of resignation by the city’s mayor, Eduardo Vítor Rodrigues, is not an act of resolution, but rather a recognition of an inability to respond to local issues. This assertion comes after Rodrigues, who was convicted of misuse of public funds, declared on Thursday his plan to resign in June.
The CDU emphasizes that while the legal matters relating to the misuse case should be dealt with by the courts, there is a noticeable lack of effective solutions to citizens’ problems. They point out that these issues have been inadequately addressed by the PS’s political agenda and are worsened by ongoing governance challenges.
According to the coalition, Vila Nova de Gaia struggles with several core issues, including insufficient public transport services, urgent needs for school renovations, and neglected housing conditions. These are areas where the CDU feels the current administration has fallen short.
In the lead-up to upcoming municipal elections, the CDU advocates for representatives who understand the local populace’s needs and are committed to addressing everyday problems with integrity and transparency.
The coalition also highlights that their elected officials are recognized for their honesty and dedication to the community’s real needs. They seek stronger representation to build a genuine alternative for the municipality, reinforcing public confidence in institutional roles.
Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court recently upheld the ruling that mandates Eduardo Vítor Rodrigues to step down due to his conviction for improperly using a municipal vehicle in this Porto district city.
Rodrigues, asserting a sense of accomplishment and clarity of conscience, announced that he would submit his resignation along with the complete municipal financial report in June. He emphasized the state of finances at the beginning and end of his administration during a press conference at the municipal headquarters.
João Paulo Correia, leader of PS/Gaia, praised Rodrigues for maintaining financial discipline and budget equilibrium since 2013. Conversely, PSD/Gaia critiqued Rodrigues’s delayed resignation, viewing his continued presence in office until June as an attachment to power.
