“This is an area where people have many problems and we solve them one by one. We solve them and talk to people,” stated Carlos Moedas, the current mayor and candidate running again with the coalition “Por ti, Lisboa,” which includes PSD, CDS-PP, and IL.
The candidate for the municipal elections on the 12th spoke to journalists during a campaign event at the Feira das Galinheiras, after hearing complaints from residents regarding municipal housing, elevators, and waste: “I’ve been waiting for a house for 18 years. I just want a T0”; “I’m 74 years old, living on the fifth floor without an elevator”; “Mr. President, please don’t let the garbage pile up. Here in Galinheiras, it’s a disgrace.”
In some instances, Carlos Moedas mentioned that the issue is “almost resolved,” while in others, he asked his team to take note.
Upon entering the fair in the parish of Santa Clara, Carlos Moedas was confronted by a resident: “You have a series of obligations that you do not fulfill, claiming that you do and you actually do nothing.”
These criticisms did not shake the “Por ti, Lisboa” campaign team, which continued cheerfully with popular music, exploring the various stalls from fruits and vegetables to clothing.
During the visit, the PSD leader did not encounter the PS/Livre/BE/PAN candidate for the president of the Lisbon City Council, Alexandra Leitão, who was also campaigning at the fair, but he did meet the Volt team, led by José Almeida, whom he greeted.
To the vendors, Carlos Moedas reminded them of the 30% reduction in municipal fair fees during the current term. Some responded: “You kept your word, but you need to do a bit more, because it’s not very easy here.”
Reuniting with people he met during the 2021 campaign, which also passed through the Feira das Galinheiras, the social-democrat heard from one vendor: “Last time I told you ‘we will win, and we won’.” This person then encouraged him to keep moving “forward,” but chose not to predict this year’s winner.
Another merchant began by saying, “let the best win,” then “good luck,” ending with “you’re going to win for sure.”
Seeking “one more vote” to win the election and remain the mayor, Carlos Moedas embraced, kissed, took selfies, danced, and put on a show by performing the choreography of the popular song “Põe a mão na cabecinha” in Galinheiras.
“I like you very much, I like your style, you’re popular,” expressed a resident, to which the social-democrat replied: “That’s who I am, no more, no less.”
Addressing the candidate, a retiree complained of “30 years of being exploited by the Lisbon City Council,” expressing being “outraged with this country and all politicians.”
Another resident shared that he is under eviction orders from municipal housing: “I didn’t pay rent for five years while I was in prison. How can I pay rent?” Although a private matter, the candidate assured: “You won’t be out on the street, obviously. You’ve paid what you had to, and now you’re back on your feet, you’re a new man.”
“You were here four years ago and won the elections. Do you know why? […] I placed a black hen facing your way for you to win. Now, no, now I won’t place a hen,” remarked a vendor, reminding Carlos Moedas of the promise of a roast pig, which remains unfulfilled since 2021, and stating that the fee reduction “wasn’t solely” his doing.
Considering that the PS/Livre/BE/PAN candidacy, which he labels as the “Left Bloc alliance with the more radical Socialist Party,” lacks a project for the city and “only” aims to unseat the current mayor, the social-democrat dismissed potential agreements with the Chega party if he wins and has to govern in the minority: “It is a party that constantly attacks me, submitted a motion of no confidence against me, so there will be no coalition with that party.”
Besides Carlos Moedas (PSD/CDS-PP/IL), candidates for the Lisbon City Council in the upcoming municipal elections include Alexandra Leitão (PS/Livre/BE/PAN), 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).
