“It is a reflection I must make, which is important, and once I make that decision, I will announce it to all Lisboetas. At the moment, I am the mayor, I continue to work every day, and that is what I do to solve people’s issues,” stated Carlos Moedas (PSD) when asked by journalists about his possible candidacy for re-election as Lisbon’s mayor in the upcoming municipal elections scheduled for September or October.
The mayor of Lisbon was speaking on the sidelines of the inauguration of the extension of Carris’ 731 bus route from Av. José Malhoa, now extended in the neighboring municipality of Loures up to Sacavém, instead of ending at Portela.
The inaugural journey was attended by the mayor of Loures, Ricardo Leão (PS), who arrived at the bus stop on Praça José Queirós, Lisbon, about five minutes before Carlos Moedas.
One of the first actions by the Lisbon mayor upon arrival was to remove his tie, making himself comfortable like his Loures counterpart, who announced in January he would seek re-election in the next municipal elections.
“Wearing a tie or not has nothing to do with being a candidate, if that is the analogy you’re trying to make,” clarified Carlos Moedas.
Asserting his role as mayor, the social-democrat emphasized the importance of politicians fulfilling their mandates: “It is four years, and it is important for politicians to complete their terms in full. I understand those who are not mayors announcing their candidacies. That is obviously normal.”
“Those who are mayors must respect the electorate, and respecting the electorate means working daily,” explained Carlos Moedas, alongside the Loures mayor, Ricardo Leão, who announced his re-election bid six months ago, emphasizing that he respects the socialist’s choice.
When questioned if he will delay his decision on a possible re-election bid to continue inaugurating projects as mayor, the social-democrat assured, “It has nothing to do with that.”
“Municipal elections have not been scheduled yet […] we do not have a date, so announcing candidacies is a personal freedom. As mayor, I want to be fully dedicated to being the mayor. Each of us has our reflection timings,” declared Carlos Moedas, refusing to comment on any potential PSD and IL coalition candidacy for Lisbon’s City Council.
At the end of Carlos Moedas’ statement, Socialist Ricardo Leão mentioned in passing that he is not yet formally a candidate for Loures’ City Council leadership, later clarifying that his re-election would be formalized publicly, noting that lack of PS support “is not even an issue.”
In Lisbon, there’s also speculation about a possible joint candidacy between PSD and IL, as well as a potential coalition involving PS, Livre, BE, and PAN, though negotiations are ongoing without a decision timeline. Announced candidates for Lisbon’s mayoralty include Alexandra Leitão (PS), João Ferreira (CDU), Carolina Serrão (BE), Ossanda Líber (New Right), José Pinto Coelho (Rise), and Bruno Mascarenhas (Chega).
Currently, Carlos Moedas, a social-democrat, governs Lisbon without an absolute majority, elected by a coalition of PSD/CDS-PP/MPT/PPM/Alliance (2021-2025).
On Thursday, PSD, Chega, PCP, and Livre parliamentary groups suggested the Government hold the next municipal elections on October 12, while PS and IL prefer September 28 and BE on October 5.
