Carlos Moedas expressed confidence in securing victory in the upcoming municipal elections as he submitted the candidate lists for the PSD/CDS-PP/IL coalition at the Lisbon Civil Court. “These have been very tough years, obviously. Years in which I had a minority, and every vote counts, but what I humbly ask from the people of Lisbon is to give us victory. We want to win; we are those who can best serve the citizens of Lisbon, those who know it best because we have this experience,” Moedas stated.
The mayor, who has led Lisbon City Hall in a minority since 2021, emphasized the experience and independence of his candidates, highlighting their over ten years of public and municipal experience. He also pointed out the inclusion of independents and private sector professionals, “people with expertise in what they do, from urbanism to engineering, social areas, justice, green spaces, to city cleanliness.”
Addressing allegations of neglect over the past four years by the coalition led by socialist Alexandra Leitão, Moedas countered that Leitão represents “14 years of the city’s neglect,” referring to the period before 2021 when the city was under PS leadership.
Moedas acknowledged, “It is obvious that in four years we cannot correct 14 years, but what we have done has changed the city, and what we will do from now on will further transform the city,” particularly in housing.
He reiterated his administration’s achievement in delivering 2,700 homes during his term, despite other candidates, specifically the socialists, claiming this as their legacy. “When I arrived, there were just over 200 houses under construction. Now, we have 1,000 houses being built. So, what we leave for the future […] is much more than what I inherited. […] When you have 14 years where the city was stagnant, no housing, no care for people, it is obvious that in four years there is still a lot of work, and that is why we are here with renewed energy to continue this work,” he asserted.
Margarida Mano, former Minister of Education and Science under Passos Coelho’s government, is the PSD/CDS-PP/IL coalition candidate for President of the Municipal Assembly.
Moedas also expressed Lisbon’s solidarity with municipalities affected by fires, assuring that they can always count on the City Fire Department brigade. “I am the mayor of Lisbon; my responsibility is over the city of Lisbon, but it is also a responsibility of solidarity with my colleagues, and I think they know they can count on me and on Lisbon’s firefighters,” he said.
During the current term (2021-2025), Lisbon City Council is presided over by Carlos Moedas, elected by the “New Times” coalition (PSD/CDS-PP/MPT/PPM/Aliança), governing without an absolute majority.
The right-wing coalition holds seven seats, the same number as the “More Lisbon” list (PS/Livre), while CDU (PCP/PEV) has two, and BE one.
Candidates announced for the Lisbon City Hall presidency for the October 12 municipal elections include Alexandra Leitão (PS/Livre/BE/PAN), Carlos Moedas (PSD/CDS-PP/IL), João Ferreira (CDU), Ossanda Líber (New Right), Bruno Mascarenhas (Chega), José Almeida (Volt), and Adelaide Ferreira (ADN).
