In a public garden in São Domingos de Benfica, where she wants to “be among the people, with everyone, and not closed in rooms,” the ‘Viver Lisboa’ coalition (PS, Livre, BE, and PAN) launched its platform, asserting itself as the “only alternative to Carlos Moedas,” the current mayor and candidate for re-election under the ‘Por ti, Lisboa’ banner (PSD, CDS-PP, and IL) for the elections on October 12.
For ‘Viver Lisboa,’ housing is the “top priority.” Alexandra Leitão (PS), the coalition’s head of the list, criticized the government’s decision announced on Thursday to sell public assets, mainly in Lisbon, and pledged to “do everything possible to prevent publicly-owned residential properties from being sold on the free market,” suggesting that the municipality could acquire them instead.
Beyond housing, the program focuses on transport and cleanliness. “Urban hygiene has never been managed so poorly,” she remarked, adding that “a clean city is a safer city.”
The head of the list also noted the “deterioration” of Lisbon’s schools and proposed an “urgent program for building rehabilitation” to ensure quality meals, strengthening community ties.
Alexandra Leitão highlighted that she leads “a team of people from all parties and none” and expressed gratitude for having actress Maria do Céu Guerra as the campaign’s representative.
“After four years of failures, we cannot wait any longer,” she urged. “We do not want a city of unicorns,” she emphasized, focusing on the city’s “real problems.”
Earlier, André Moz Caldas, candidate for president of the Municipal Assembly, summarized the program as “affordable homes, reliable transport, and a clean city.”
Regarding housing, the coalition plans, among other measures, to start the construction of 4,500 homes by 2029, “immediately unblock affordable rent projects delayed in the last term,” mobilize vacant land and housing, allow local accommodation “only where it makes sense,” and implement a moratorium on new hotels.
For city cleanliness, the coalition promised trash collection seven days a week (Carlos Moedas pledged six days during his program presentation on Thursday).
In transport, they advocate for the free Navegante pass for all Lisbon residents and more BUS lanes.
The proposals also include universal free childcare and support for hiring more professionals in health centers.
The program, presented today, also commits to “honoring the legacy of a green capital,” ensuring that Lisbon is “animal-friendly,” and increasing the budget for culture and full accessibility, as well as allocating “1% of the municipal budget” to science and innovation.
Additionally, as program coordinator, Moz Caldas indicated that if elected, the coalition will assess the impact of the “Unicorn Factory Lisboa,” considering public investment and revert the space to its original name of Hub Criativo do Beato.
Housing, urban hygiene, traffic, transport, and mobility were highlighted by coalition partners.
Isabel Mendes Lopes from Livre framed the coalition as building “a Lisbon to live in,” stressing that “only one person has a real chance of becoming the mayor” instead of Carlos Moedas, Alexandra Leitão, praising her “sense of justice, work capacity, and dedication.”
“You’re much needed in the Assembly of the Republic, but even more in Lisbon,” she said, addressing Alexandra Leitão.
Fabien Figueiredo from BE emphasized a “cleaner Lisbon,” noting that urban hygiene “failed because the current leadership under Carlos Moedas lacked humility and competence.”
“Whether left or right, a mayor is expected to meet basic standards,” he stated.
Inês de Sousa Real from PAN underscored the need to “unite efforts,” highlighting that many people “can no longer live in Lisbon,” which is currently a “city of contrasts” between neighborhoods.
“The coalition will also not leave animals behind and plans to do things differently,” she remarked, referring to PAN’s main focus.
The candidates for Lisbon’s City Hall in the local elections on October 12 include Carlos Moedas (PSD/CDS-PP/IL), Alexandra Leitão (PS/Livre/BE/PAN), João Ferreira (CDU-PCP/PEV), Bruno Mascarenhas (Chega), Ossanda Líber (Nova Direita), José Almeida (Volt), Adelaide Ferreira (ADN), Tomaz Ponce Dentinho (PPM/PTP), and Luís Mendes (RIR).
Currently, the municipal executive consists of seven elected officials from the “Novos Tempos” coalition – PSD/CDS-PP/MPT/PPM/Aliança, seven from the “Mais Lisboa” coalition – PS/Livre, two from CDU, and one from BE.
