The coalition candidate “O Porto Somos Nós” has declared a commitment to ensure no family faces the struggle of childcare availability while working. The candidate emphasizes that no child should be left behind due to a lack of spaces in daycare centers.
The social-democrat has vowed to create 700 new daycare slots through partnerships with parish councils and Private Institutions of Social Solidarity (IPSS), as well as through providing land or spaces from the municipality.
In terms of taxation, Pedro Duarte has promised to gradually reduce the Municipal IRS from the current rate of 3% to 1.5% over his term, a move he believes will “return income to the people of Porto.”
On June 24, Pedro Duarte, representing the PSD/CDS-PP/IL coalition, officially launched his candidacy and pledged free access for all Porto residents to the Metropolitan Area of Porto’s transport network, a measure projected to cost 25 million euros, which he reiterated today as “an invitation to change habits and reclaim the city.”
At that time, he also promised the planting of 15,000 new trees. Today, the candidate argued that the expansion of green spaces, alongside continuous improvements in urban cleaning services and waste management, investments in more bicycle lanes, and safe pedestrian paths could enable the city to bid for the title of European Green Capital 2028.
The former Minister of Parliamentary Affairs plans to add 100 new officers to the Municipal Police, supporting his belief that “the people of Porto have the right to live in peace.” This will also be supported by enhanced public lighting, expanded video surveillance, and increased community policing.
The candidates running for the Porto City Hall include Manuel Pizarro (PS), Diana Ferreira (CDU – PCP/PEV coalition), Nuno Cardoso (Porto Primeiro – NC/PPM coalition), Pedro Duarte (PSD/IL/CDS-PP), Sérgio Aires (BE), current vice-president Filipe Araújo (independent movement), Guilherme Alexandre Jorge (Volt), Hélder Sousa (Livre), Miguel Corte-Real (Chega), Frederico Duarte Carvalho (ADN), Maria Amélia Costa (PTP), and Luís Tinoco Azevedo (Social Liberal Party).
António Araújo, another independent candidate for Porto, had his candidacy rejected on Friday due to insufficient signatures and is awaiting the outcome of an appeal submitted to the Constitutional Court.
The current executive consists of a majority of six council members from Rui Moreira’s movement and one independent councilor, with the remaining composition comprising two members from PS, two from PSD, one CDU member, and one BE member.
The local elections are scheduled for October 12.
