“The first major challenge we face is affordable housing and quality of life. We know that today, for many young people, the biggest obstacle to independence is finding a home at a fair price,” stated Alexandre Favaios during his inauguration speech at the Teatro Municipal de Vila Real.
The Socialist Party (PS) won the October 12 elections in Vila Real, securing four mandates, followed by the Social Democratic Party (PSD) with two, and Chega with one.
Alexandre Favaios had already taken over the presidency of the municipal council in June after the election of Rui Santos as a member of the Assembly of the Republic.
Rui Santos first captured the council for the PS in 2013, ending 37 years of PSD administration, and was also inaugurated today as president of the Municipal Assembly.
“Today, as I take on the role of president of the Vila Real Council, I do so with emotion, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility towards this land that I love so much,” emphasized Alexandre Favaios.
The mayor noted that there are new challenges to face currently, such as housing, qualified employment, and positioning Vila Real “in the right place,” highlighting that the municipality is situated “at a crucial point in the North zone” and aims to become a significant hub in economic, social, and political terms.
To tackle these challenges, he recalled the “100 concrete measures” proposed by the PS during this campaign and assured that they are “clear commitments.”
On the housing challenge, Alexandre Favaios stated that the new administration “is prepared.”
“Therefore, we will immediately move forward with Block J in Quinta do Centenário, housing dedicated to young people with controlled rents. We will implement the Renda J program, specific to youth rentals, and the My House program, which will support not only renters but also those covering home loan costs, ensuring a transparent and fair regulation,” he listed.
He also announced the creation of municipal tax benefits for real estate developers who reserve part of their constructions for the controlled cost market.
“And we will revise land use planning tools to include new areas for public and affordable housing. Living in Vila Real will not be a privilege; it will be a right,” he declared.
However, according to the mayor, “no municipality has a future if it does not generate economic opportunities,” highlighting the completion, during the first quarter of 2026, of the new business reception area with 86 lots.
“During this term, we will start the second phase, with 50 more lots, a strategic investment for the next decade,” he stressed, highlighting that this investment will attract companies, resulting in more jobs and economic growth.
A specialized team in economic diplomacy will also be established, based on the Municipal Economic and Social Council, which will be exclusively dedicated to seeking investors and thus ensuring the economic growth of the municipality.
“Vila Real has everything to be a destination of excellence. We will promote the Douro, the mountains, car races, and our cultural and heritage identity, creating new experiences and enhancing the local economy,” he emphasized.
He also announced the installation of a hostel for pilgrims on the Interior Camino de Santiago and maintaining the strategic focus on the Vila Real Car Races as “the main highlight of the notoriety and visibility of the Vila Real brand, investing in its internationalization.”
Alexandre Favaios declared that the “time of political quarrels” is over and that it is now “time to work for Vila Real.”
“We have to talk to people and not just speak at them,” he further highlighted.
