Candidate Miguel Corte-Real, from the Chega party, expressed his intentions to engage with all elected officials in Porto, emphasizing the need for change in the city’s direction. Speaking to journalists at a campaign event in Parque Oriental, Campanhã, Corte-Real criticized the continuity of the current policies upheld by PS and PSD, highlighting ongoing city issues.
When asked if his willingness to dialogue is contingent upon specific themes or measures Chega may demand depending on the number of councillors they elect, Corte-Real asserted that the party will possess the strength to make demands “in any circumstance.”
“Our priorities focus on improving people’s quality of life. Currently, there is a reluctance to change anything—it’s all just window dressing by PS and PSD. Thus, it’s challenging for us to see collaboration with those who want to maintain existing problems,” he stressed.
Corte-Real remarked, “Security won’t be resolved by the prime minister [Luís Montenegro] staging a campaign to support Pedro Duarte [PSD/CDS-PP/IL] and promising ‘I’ll bring you 100 police officers.'” He criticized this as demagoguery and populism, noting the 100 police officers were a good solution three years ago when initially promised.
The candidate emphasized that the executive leader “needs to help Porto,” rather than individual candidates like Pedro Duarte, who, according to Corte-Real, demonstrates a lack of understanding of Porto and resorts to “soundbites.”
Furthermore, he targeted rival Manuel Pizarro (PS), who campaigns on housing issues despite having served as housing councillor for four years, with his number two, Fernando Paulo, succeeding him in the role.
“Suddenly, there’s a miraculous housing solution. This proves the campaign is a simulation,” Corte-Real stated.
He assured that “if the people of Porto decide” against a Chega victory, he will “always work for Porto,” declaring the party’s commitment beyond this election cycle.
Corte-Real pointed to the recent immigration law as evidence of Chega’s impactful role in improving citizens’ lives, despite not being in power nationally.
Candidates for the Porto City Hall include Manuel Pizarro (PS), Diana Ferreira (CDU), Nuno Cardoso (Porto Primeiro), Pedro Duarte (PSD/CDS-PP/IL), Sérgio Aires (BE), Filipe Araújo (independent), Guilherme Alexandre Jorge (Volt), Hélder Sousa (Livre), Miguel Corte-Real (Chega), Frederico Duarte Carvalho (ADN), Maria Amélia Costa (PTP), and Luís Tinoco Azevedo (PLS).
The current executive consists of a majority from Rui Moreira’s movement, an independent councillor, with the remainder from PS, PSD, CDU, and BE.
