The candidacy was submitted to Lisbon’s Civil Court after 11:30 am, with the head of the list, Alexandra Leitão, accompanied by other candidates and the mandatary, the esteemed Socialist António Vitorino.
Alexandra Leitão described the candidacy as “a broad coalition” aimed at improving the city “with quick practical solutions,” specifically addressing “the housing emergency,” “mobility chaos,” the degradation and neglect of various communal spaces, parks, gardens, lack of cleanliness, sidewalk disrepair, and frequent potholes, as well as insufficient lighting.
“What brings us here and unites us is having a strategic vision for the city and solving people’s problems, and that’s what we’re here to do today,” she stated.
Leitão emphasized the candidacy’s desire “to unite all those sharing a vision of progressivism, humanism, and above all, a commitment to improving the city.”
Regarding the choice of António Vitorino as the candidacy’s mandatary, Alexandra Leitão noted that he is “a well-known figure who has held several significant institutional positions” in Portugal, including judge of the Constitutional Court, minister, and international roles as Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The candidate also highlighted the recent Constitutional Court decision to overturn certain provisions of the Government’s immigration legislation, considering it “immensely significant.”
“It is a defense of the Constitution and the continuity of laws; thus, in a State of Law, this is how it functions. I am pleased that the State of Law has acted accordingly and hope it will continue to operate as the Constitution mandates,” she said.
As the head candidate for Lisbon, Leitão emphasized that, although municipalities are responsible “for addressing such matters,” immigration “is primarily a legislative issue and therefore a matter of national concern.”
During the current term (2021-2025), the Lisbon City Council is led by social democrat Carlos Moedas, who governs without an absolute majority, elected by the “New Times” coalition – PSD/CDS-PP/MPT/PPM/Alliance.
The right-wing coalition has seven seats, the same number as the “More Lisbon” list (PS/Livre), with the CDU (PCP/PEV) holding two and BE one.
For the municipal elections on October 12, candidacies for the presidency of the Lisbon City Council have been announced, including Alexandra Leitão (PS/Livre/BE/PAN), Carlos Moedas (PSD/CDS-PP/IL), João Ferreira (CDU), Ossanda Líber (New Right), Bruno Mascarenhas (Chega), José Almeida (Volt), and Adelaide Ferreira (ADN).
