Shortly after 6 p.m., Mariana Leitão met with candidate Pedro Duarte near São Bento Station and proceeded past Rua das Flores, amidst drums and lively music, in a brief procession led by journalists focused on the two politicians.
Benjamin, who came from Portland (USA), observed the campaign’s noise and questioned the journalists: “Are we okay here?”
However, the focus was on the few voters in the area, like Amílcar, a shop owner, to whom Pedro Duarte introduced Mariana Leitão.
“Let me introduce our friend, she is the president of the Liberal Initiative,” said Pedro Duarte, as Mariana Leitão greeted Amílcar.
Yet, the noise and rapid interaction didn’t allow the octogenarian to remember moments later. “She’s a lady from PSD, right? Very friendly,” he responded to Lusa.
Relaxed and enjoying the music’s rhythm, Mariana Leitão insisted on visiting some tourist points, but preferred speaking with employees rather than tourists, who were surprised by the journalist surge accompanying the campaign parade marking the IL’s coalition with Pedro Duarte’s “O Porto Somos Nós” candidacy.
Maria and Ismael were crafting filigree silver pieces, and the two politicians took time to admire the work.
“This is wonderful, Maria,” and “spectacular,” commented Mariana Leitão, with Pedro Duarte adding: “It’s a precision work that, for me, is impossible.”
Further down, at Chaminé da Mota, Isabel Chaminé greeted her friend Pedro Duarte, who introduced the “lady from the Liberal Initiative” to the owner of “an iconic bookstore in Porto.”
“Next week, after the elections, I’ll come by. Or rather, when I take office,” said Pedro Duarte.
At another shop’s entrance, Torcato Oliveira asked Pedro Duarte: “Is this the PSD campaign?”
“It’s PSD and Liberal Initiative here with Dr. Mariana Leitão,” replied the former Minister of Parliamentary Affairs.
In the end, speaking to Lusa, Torcato Oliveira commented on the number of people in front of the TV cameras and journalists passing through his store: “I know him, he’s a politician. But I didn’t know who she was,” referring to the newly-elected liberal leader.
However, he is sure of one thing, he will not vote for Pedro Duarte. “I’m from Gondomar,” he said. “And I think the PS will win there,” he added, contradicting the expectations of PSD and IL who are also running in coalition in the neighboring municipality.
Oblivious to the votes, Benjamin smiled when challenged to comment on politicians, journalists, militants, and supporters who passed through Rua das Flores.
“It’s livelier and seems healthier than what I have back home,” said the tourist from Portland, whose streets President Donald Trump wishes to send troops to.
