During the presentation of the electoral program of the PSD/CDS-PP/IL coalition, titled ‘Por ti, Lisboa’, at the Centro Cultural de Belém, the social-democrat Carlos Moedas, who is currently the city’s mayor, declared that he is “halfway through” changing the city. He emphasized that four years are not sufficient to reverse “14 years of stagnation” under PS governance.
Welcomed by applause from a packed room with hundreds of attendees, Carlos Moedas acknowledged the presence of ministers from the current PSD/CDS-PP Government, such as António Leitão Amaro, Joaquim Miranda Sarmento, and Miguel Pinto Luz, and expressed gratitude to them while also making requests, particularly for an increase in police forces.
Other notable attendees included João Cotrim de Figueiredo, former IL leader and Presidential candidate, Teresa Morais, Vice-President of the Assembly of the Republic, and Leonor Beleza, Vice-President of PSD.
In a speech lasting over 30 minutes, the head of the PSD/CDS-PP/IL list for the municipal elections on October 12 reflected on the past four years of governance, focusing on local social conditions, culture, and innovation, which remain central in the electoral program presented, featuring 15 measures.
One such measure is a new urban sanitation management model, resuming the collection of undifferentiated waste six days a week instead of three. Carlos Moedas noted that the waste issue predates 2021, when he took office, and resulted from a “poorly executed decentralization”, with shared responsibilities between the city council and the 24 parish councils.
In terms of security, the social democrat underscored Lisbon as a safe city, but expressed concern over increasing sexual violence, stressing the need for more officers, appealing to the Government for at least an additional 100 municipal officers and 500 PSP officers, “as Lisbon has lost 1,300 police officers and 200 municipal officers over the past 15 years.”
Carlos Moedas reiterated the importance of enabling “municipal police to detain a thief and escort them to the station”, proposed expanding community policing zones, investing in night guards, and enhancing surveillance cameras, increasing from 95 to 216.
Regarding green spaces, he highlighted the fight against climate change, mentioning the drainage tunnel, “which began in 2023, not in 2018 or 2015”, proposing the renewal of the Monsanto Forest Park, investments in the Pope Francis Park, and rehabilitating Tapada das Necessidades, with 20 million euros from tourism tax.
Carlos Moedas accentuated “an absolutely incredible project” in Vale de Santo António and Vale de Chelas, spanning approximately 250 hectares, to create “a new city within the city”, including housing.
On taxes, the candidate reminded of the 5% IRS refund to Lisbon residents (the maximum allowed by law) and embraced “a liberal side” by planning to cut “at least half” of the 476 municipal fees.
Additional measures relate to the Unicorn Factory, “ridiculed by many”, which created 16,000 jobs and now aims to generate “30,000 jobs” over four years; 710 houses for young people in historic neighborhoods; ending zero licensing; and launching the Cultura na Rua program to increase art and performances in public spaces.
“Investing more in culture is the recipe to end polarization,” he stated.
The candidates for the Lisbon City Council in the upcoming municipal elections include Carlos Moedas (PSD/CDS-PP/IL), 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).
Currently, the municipal executive comprises seven members from the “Novos Tempos” coalition – PSD/CDS-PP/MPT/PPM/Aliança, seven from the “Mais Lisboa” coalition – PS/Livre, two from CDU, and one from BE.
