Carlos Moedas, the newly elected president of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, has proposed a summit involving the Metropolitan Areas of Lisbon and Porto alongside the government to discuss various pressing issues.
Moedas emphasized the need for “quick solutions” for the metropolitan areas, which he noted contribute significantly to the nation’s wealth. He highlighted “the two great engines” driving the country’s economic development.
As president of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, Moedas stressed its significance due to its population of three million people, accounting for “36% of the country’s gross domestic product.”
“We must have a metropolitan ambition, which involves multiple areas. For example, in housing and in supporting the homeless. As the mayor of Lisbon, I fought for a metropolitan response, and now, with my colleagues, I can implement that response,” he stated.
Moedas also noted the importance of transportation within the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, describing it as “a crucial area” that should involve a strong connection between the major transportation companies: Carris Metropolitana, Carris, and Transportes Metropolitanos de Lisboa (TML).
“I hope to contribute to this,” he added.
Additionally, as the president of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, Moedas intends to “project internationally” the influence of the area, representing “three million people (…) and the capacity and influence it holds globally.”
Drawing from his five years of experience as a European Commissioner, Moedas aims to strengthen ties between the Lisbon Metropolitan Area and Europe by possibly appointing “one or two people in Brussels” to focus on acquiring European funds.
“I hope to facilitate this crucial connection for the Metropolitan Area and many municipalities represented here in need of those European funds. My promise to my colleagues is to foster a more international presence through my understanding of the European Union,” he assured.
In addition to housing, health, and education, Moedas will also focus on urban waste, which has been highlighted as a “crucial issue” by local officials.
“There needs to be a comprehensive view of these companies. Some are dysfunctional and create issues for municipalities, so I will also act as a metropolitan area representative to the government to push for a holistic approach to waste management rather than a municipality-by-municipality perspective,” he noted.
Carlos Moedas was elected president of the Lisbon Metropolitan Council today, with the list also including the municipal heads of Vila Franca de Xira (PS) and Palmela (CDU) as vice-presidents.
