“In these final stages of the campaign, it is important to highlight the choice at hand. On our side, we have a candidate thoroughly committed to Porto. On the other [Pedro Duarte from the PSD/CDS-PP/IL coalition], is someone who seems more like a government delegate in the Porto elections,” stated Manuel Pizarro during a stroll along Rua Santa Catarina.
The socialist candidate began his day at the Mercado do Bolhão, where he was joined by the PS secretary-general, whom he jokingly referred to as “his voter” while interacting with the local population.
Carlos Carneiro, native to Porto, praised the character of his “friend” and the proposals regarding “public transport, mobility, quality of public spaces, and both real and perceived safety” presented by the former Health Minister. Pizarro argued that the PS fully supports this candidacy, which he believes extends beyond the socialist realm.
“Do you vote here in Porto? Yes? Then, remember to vote on Sunday,” Pizarro told patrons along Rua Alexandra Braga as they sipped coffee or had breakfast. Shortly after, he enjoyed a “cimbalinhozinho” with the party’s secretary-general in a small café, chatting with reporters about the campaign.
On the street, he encountered a tourist who remarked in English about enjoying the “magnificent city.” Pizarro replied, “When I become mayor, it will be even better.”
After Carneiro, who plans to return to Porto for the campaign’s closing on Friday and to vote on Sunday, left for an event in the neighboring Maia commune, Pizarro revealed he is saving inspiration from “three ideas” for the final two campaign days.
“First, humility. We need the humility to approach each resident of Porto to ask for their vote. Secondly, confidence. Support for this candidacy is growing every day. Finally, hope,” he disclosed.
Pizarro aims to be mayor “to do things differently” and reiterated the campaign’s key pillars: “greater access to housing, enhanced security, and less congested traffic,” rejecting Pedro Duarte’s accusations of not publishing the electoral program.
“If [Pedro Duarte] knows so little about Porto, how could he know my program? He spends his days attacking my program instead of explaining his ideas,” Pizarro stated, listing the specific program areas outlined since July.
Confident in achieving a “significant PS victory” in the city, he criticized the PSD/CDS-PP/IL candidate, suggesting that he “focuses too much on the History Channel, given that the PS hasn’t led Porto’s City Hall since 2001.”
When asked if this is the most crucial of the three times he has run for Porto’s City Hall, the former government official took the opportunity to further critique his opponents.
“Each campaign is the campaign of my life. I have an advantage: my relationship with Porto is long-term. There are temporary residents of Porto, but I am not one of them,” he asserted.
Running for Porto’s City Hall are Manuel Pizarro (PS), Diana Ferreira (CDU – PCP/PEV coalition), Nuno Cardoso (Porto Primeiro – NC/PPM coalition), Pedro Duarte (PSD/CDS-PP/IL coalition), Sérgio Aires (BE), the current vice-president Filipe Araújo (Fazer à Porto – independent), Guilherme Alexandre Jorge (Volt), Hélder Sousa (Livre), Miguel Corte-Real (Chega), Frederico Duarte Carvalho (ADN), Maria Amélia Costa (PTP), and Luís Tinoco Azevedo (PLS).
The current executive comprises a majority of six members from Rui Moreira’s movement and an independent councilor, with the remaining councilors including two from the PS, two from the PSD, one from the CDU, and one from the BE.
