The coalition led by Juntos por Braga, consisting of PSD, CDS-PP, and PPM, emphasizes that they hold the mandate to conduct negotiations.
“We understand how to interpret the results, we shall interpret them, and we will discuss with those we need to, but we are the ones who have the mandate to direct these conversations, always for the good of the city and the interests of the people of Braga, to reach the best solution for the city and its residents. This is something we will lead, at our pace, in our own time, and we will start working on it in the coming days,” he stated.
The coalition Juntos por Braga won the municipal elections on Sunday for the Braga City Council, securing 26,378 votes, 276 more than the Somos Braga Coalition (PS/PAN) led by António Braga.
Both coalitions elected three aldermen, equaled by the independent movement Amar e Servir Braga, led by Ricardo Silva.
The 11-member executive is completed by Rui Rocha from IL and Filipe Aguiar from Chega.
“I know it was by a narrow margin,” admitted João Rodrigues, assuring, however, that no discussions on potential agreements have taken place to ensure the municipality’s governance.
The outgoing president, Ricardo Rio, described the election results as “challenging,” emphasizing that “a single vote can win or lose.”
When asked about possible solutions, Ricardo Rio was non-committal.
“Only when you walk in the shoes can you make decisions at the right moment. Fortunately, I didn’t face this situation. I had three absolute majorities, quite a bit more comfortable than what we have today,” he noted.
He acknowledged, nonetheless, that a solution will likely be found.
“We’ve had several minority-run municipal councils in the past, some managed coalition; it depends on specific circumstances, the individuals involved, and the cooperation they can establish,” he concluded.
The new municipal bodies of Braga will take office on November 3rd.
