The bustling stalls at Benfica Municipal Market, featuring offerings like Negrais roasted pork, pies, and rissoles, are notably managed by Helena Carreira. Carreira emphasizes the necessity for regulatory standards in animal slaughter, aligning with the stance of Inês Sousa Real, the spokesperson for the political party PAN.
Sousa Real commented on shared goals, stating, “There is a common path to follow, at least in the areas where we agree. I believe we can all work together.”
Carreira recognizes Sousa Real from her previous role overseeing “infractions” at the Sintra City Council. Sousa Real humorously acknowledged her past work in supervision as “not a pleasant area,” yet one she deemed “essential.”
Despite adhering to regulations in her own business, Carreira expressed disagreement with some of the PAN’s policies, particularly their stance on bullfighting. “I like bullfights. The first time I saw one in Spain was a bit difficult for me,” she remarked, but she reaffirmed her position on the importance of regulation in slaughter.
Another vendor, Paula Neto, voiced concerns to Sousa Real about rising prices and predominantly imported goods. “Look at these beans, we used to sell them for two or three euros, and now it’s six. It’s a lot,” commented Neto.
As the PAN leader navigated through the market’s circular layout, she encountered numerous vendors and pet owners, some with “four little dogs” and others with “a dog and a kitten.”
Seeing these displays of affection towards animals, Sousa Real consistently urged, “Vote for them,” highlighting the many policies her party has for animal welfare.
Isabel Marques, stationed at her fruit and vegetable stand, criticized political parties for presenting “many proposals but little action,” adding that while the PAN advocates for animals, people now need assistance because “Healthcare is in tatters.”
Sousa Real countered by emphasizing that the PAN has proposed more initiatives and seen more success in the Assembly of the Republic than any other party. “I invite you to learn about what we’ve done. If you’re upset with the major parties, vote for PAN; we’ve accomplished a lot, even with just one deputy,” she asserted.
Despite this, Isabel reiterated her belief that many “promise but do nothing,” to which Sousa Real agreed, “We couldn’t agree more.”
While meandering through the market, Sousa Real conversed with a shopper pledging both his vote and his mother’s in the upcoming legislative elections. “I have a turtle at home and I’m an animal friend, my vote is yours and so is my mother’s. Here, you already have two,” he declared.
On the day of a derby between Benfica and Sporting that could decide the championship, Sousa Real met a man whose political affiliations differed. However, she managed to pass a leaflet to his son, who sported a Benfica jersey. “I’ll be cheering for his club later; it’s my team,” remarked the deputy.
The child’s father, smiling, quipped that at least they both share “good taste.”
