Before commencing a march from Penha de França to Arroios, accompanied by about thirty supporters, Bruno Mascarenhas proudly displayed his campaign program, neatly laminated and spanning around 80 pages, which he plans to unveil on Saturday.
When asked by journalists why his detailed proposals were being made public midway through the campaign, the Chega candidate for the Lisbon City Council explained the party wanted to ensure “others wouldn’t replicate” their ideas.
“That’s what they usually do, so we saved the best for last,” he added amidst a tour where he warmly greeted people, accepted gifts, and received support through honks from Carris buses.
Accompanied by a drum and his anthem playing in the background, Mascarenhas distributed flyers and pens, while also receiving encouragement—even though many inquired about the whereabouts of the party leader, André Ventura.
In a tailor shop, Mariana Silva, inspired by her 18-year-old grandson and daughter, pledged to follow their example.
“This time I’ll be brave and vote for Chega,” confessed the 73-year-old shopkeeper.
The procession continued with cries of “Chega” and requests for ribbons as well as packs of cards, particularly relevant as they approached Praça Paiva Couceiro, interrupting a game of retirees who spend their afternoons there.
“I’ll vote for him too,” assured one player, while others were more focused on counting cards, and some simply wanted a free deck of cards.
“Where’s Ventura? We want Ventura,” the mayoral candidate heard at a café around Paiva Couceiro before being approached by Virgílio Marques, 66, who requested the abolition of EMEL (Lisbon’s Municipal Mobility and Parking Company) in Penha de França.
“We’re not against EMEL, but we must significantly reduce its influence in the city,” Mascarenhas responded.
The candidate emphasized the need to “substantially lower rates, particularly for lockings, as they are far beyond what Portuguese wages can afford.”
“EMEL should not have the current abilities, such as road changes or constructing bike lanes. Its role should exclusively be to oversee parking in the city. For those who work and navigate the city, paying high daily fees is challenging […], [we will] reduce Lisbon’s city tariffs,” he asserted.
According to the candidate, fines might be cut by as much as 50%.
Regarding a potential reassessment of parking zones, Bruno Mascarenhas acknowledged this as a project that demands close attention.
Besides the Chega candidate, contenders in the Lisbon municipal elections on October 12 include the current mayor Carlos Moedas (PSD/CDS-PP/IL), Alexandra Leitão (PS/Livre/BE/PAN), João Ferreira (CDU-PCP/PEV), Ossanda Líber (New Right), José Almeida (Volt), Adelaide Ferreira (ADN), Tomaz Ponce Dentinho (PPM/PTP), and Luís Mendes (RIR).
Currently, the municipal executive comprises seven elected officials from the “New Times” coalition – PSD/CDS-PP/MPT/PPM/Aliança, seven from the “More Lisbon” coalition – PS/Livre, two from the CDU, and one from BE.
