Addressing an audience of approximately 400 people in a garden near the Torre dos Clérigos, the candidate of the “O Porto Somos Nós” coalition, which includes the IL, CDS-PP, and independents, elaborated on the measures announced.
Regarding the project to make all public transportation free for city residents, the candidate explained that in the first phase, “the tourist tax will increase by one euro, bringing it to four euros, similar to what is practiced in Lisbon.”
The project’s estimated annual cost is 25 million euros, which the candidate aims to fund not only through the tourist tax but also by utilizing European programs and raising parking fees for non-residents.
“I do not rule out the possibility that in subsequent years, if it becomes necessary to filter tourism in the city and if we need more revenue to fund this free transport measure, we could increase it by another euro, thus reaching five euros,” he added.
Pedro Duarte justified the measure by expressing the importance of creating responses “to mitigate the massive influx” of cars entering from outside the city. He also intends to implement this project in neighboring municipalities to encourage other mayors to adopt this idea.
On mobility issues, the candidate considered using technology to control certain city zones, potentially allowing access only for residents, although he noted this phase has not yet been reached. He instead wishes to attract neighboring municipalities to adopt the announced control measures.
“It’s ambitious, it’s difficult, but I like tough challenges,” said the former Minister of Parliamentary Affairs.
Asked about planting 15,000 trees in the city, Pedro Duarte referred to “an afforestation plan for the city that indicates there are around 216 kilometers of streets suitable for tree planting.”
“This is feasible with political will, and there is political will, for Porto to stand out. Therefore, being a greener city than others, notably with trees that we know have excellent effects for all of us in many aspects, especially in combating climate change, which has been somewhat neglected on the international agenda for the wrong reasons (…) but the truth is, it hasn’t disappeared, and we still need to have a sustainability policy at the city level,” he emphasized.
Regarding his candidacy, he insisted that it “does not discriminate against any Porto citizen,” and despite the many candidacies that might confront him with an ungovernable chamber if elected, Pedro Duarte expressed optimism about his project and the “sense of responsibility from everyone” to ensure this is not an obstacle.
When asked if he would reverse the Metrobus project on Avenida da Boavista if he could, the candidate affirmed, although he acknowledges that it is now “at a point where this is not feasible.”
