“The members in my campaign… let Carlos Moedas worry about who is in his,” said Alexandra Leitão in response to comments from current mayor and PSD, CDS-PP, and IL candidate Carlos Moedas, who suggested the Viver Lisboa coalition was “hiding” Mariana Mortágua. Mortágua returned to Portugal on Sunday after being detained by Israel while participating in a humanitarian flotilla to Gaza.
“Let’s discuss Lisbon. For Carlos Moedas, discussing Lisbon is highly embarrassing given the current state of the city. I know, I understand, but this is a campaign for Lisbon’s City Hall,” remarked the socialist leading the coalition involving PS, Livre, BE, and PAN.
She assured that Mariana Mortágua would be involved in the remainder of the campaign, emphasizing that the participation of members from various coalition parties in events is “at the autonomy of each of those parties.”
The electorate should focus on the city’s current state, which is “entirely the responsibility” of Carlos Moedas’s administration, she noted.
Calling for a “new cycle” for the city, Alexandra Leitão dismissed claims that Viver Lisboa targeted João Ferreira, the CDU (PCP and PEV) candidate, who might split the left-wing electorate, garnering about 8% of the votes, according to polls.
“If there isn’t an absolute majority, deals, negotiations, and dialogues will be needed. I will be here for those discussions if necessary, with whoever is possible, though of course, I don’t count on Chega; PCP is a possibility,” she highlighted.
Regarding the government’s announcement during the electoral campaign to increase the supplement for seniors, the socialist laughed and commented, “It doesn’t surprise us.”
Alexandra Leitão expressed confidence that Lisbon residents “know what is at stake,” reminding them to “evaluate who was the mayor before and discuss the programs of those presenting themselves as the next mayor.”
Concerning the measures she promised to implement in her first month if elected, she noted they are “emergencies” and acknowledged that “30 days is not enough time for someone new to such a complex role as the Mayor of Lisbon.”
Housing remains a priority, but the response “must be realistic,” she stressed, explaining that it would be “not very accurate” to pledge “housing goals for 30 days.”
Nevertheless, she pointed out that revising the local accommodation regulations is “a housing issue,” and it is crucial to maintain the current suspension, preventing new registrations.
The campaign took to the streets on Morais Soares Street, covering the Arroios and Penha de França districts, known for their diverse resident and working populations.
Accompanied by deputies Edite Estrela, Elza Pais, Mariana Vieira da Silva, and candidates for both districts, Alexandra Leitão was greeted outside shops and even from balconies, offering “good afternoon” wishes and distributing brochures, pausing only when someone wanted to share something with her.
“In the previous administration, there was very little dialogue with communities, often leading to more fears and concerns,” noted João Jaime, a teacher running for Arroios, worried about “a world full of hatreds.”
Meanwhile, manager Elisa Madureira prioritizes urban hygiene and wants to improve public spaces if elected to return to lead Penha de França, a position she previously held.
This campaign day saw the introduction of drums, as well as a megaphone that Alexandra Leitão used to thank her companions, expressing “enthusiasm” despite a lack of words.
She carried a version of the poem “Pedra Filosofal” by António Gedeão in her pocket, given by supporter Inês Andrade: “We all need to unite to humanize and enliven the city.”
On Sunday, candidates for the presidency of the Lisbon City Hall include Alexandra Leitão (PS/Livre/BE/PAN), Carlos Moedas (PSD/CDS-PP/IL), 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).
