“It is very important to invest in a model where local governments have more capacity to respond to their residents,” stated Mariana Leitão today at the end of a meeting with young students from the University of Évora, emphasizing that local power is the first point of contact for people.
In the discussion, Leitão advocated for strengthening municipal competencies and supported investment in railways, employment policies, housing, and attracting foreign investment by municipalities, areas typically not managed at the municipal level.
Concerning regionalization, she suggested the subject could be addressed later, adding, “I don’t think it’s a relevant topic to discuss now. At the moment, with local elections approaching, it is crucial to focus on how municipal councils can better serve their constituents.”
“Certainly, with more autonomy and greater decentralization, municipalities will offer more efficient and effective responses,” she asserted.
Leitão stressed the importance of municipalities having the ability to implement policies suitable for their locales, as “decisions cannot all be made from Lisbon.”
The liberal leader expressed concern over the depopulation of cities like Évora, which suffer from housing shortages, limited mobility options, insufficient employment opportunities, and a persistent centralization issue affecting much of the country.
“Decisions are often made in Lisbon by those unfamiliar with the nation’s true issues. Therefore, we staunchly support an urgent and necessary shift towards greater decentralization,” she said.
Addressing mobility, Leitão highlighted the importance of investing seriously in railways to incentivize settlement in interior regions.
She pointed out the chronic underinvestment in railways, with numerous lines closed across the country, emphasizing that reversing this trend is vital for development, economic growth, and retention of residents in interior areas, echoing her earlier conversation with students.
“These youths need solutions; many expressed a desire to continue living in Évora post-graduation, yet feel they lack the opportunities,” she noted.
To retain young people in the country’s interior, it is vital to implement policies that attract investment and create jobs, providing opportunities for these individuals, she added.
“Investment attraction and enticing companies to Évora is feasible only with good infrastructure, efficient transportation networks, and adequate housing solutions.”
In Évora, IL has nominated Fábio Cabaço as the lead candidate for the municipal election in a council currently led by the CDU that the PS aims to reclaim.
