Pedro Duarte reiterated his stance on stable governance, emphasizing the need for reliable partners, a quality he believes the Chega party lacks. “It’s not about partisan lines; those discussions are less important. Regarding city governance, it makes no sense to consider an agreement with someone whose proposals are clearly irresponsible,” Duarte stated again today.
The head of the coalition “O Porto Somos Nós” was responding to a statement by former PSD president Passos Coelho, who urged on Tuesday not to draw red lines with Chega in these municipal elections.
Pedro Duarte also called for strategic voting, asserting that it is “perfectly compatible” to govern through “occasional agreements” and to consider the contributions of the opposition, even if it involves the Socialist Party.
“I believe democratic spirit must prevail. In a city like Porto, known as the city of freedom, mutual respect is paramount,” he added.
The coalition, which includes PSD, CDS-PP, and IL, walked through Rua das Flores in S. Bento this afternoon. Accompanied by music from a band, they visited various shops along the street, both traditional and multinational establishments.
Joining Liberal Initiative leader Mariana Leitão, Pedro Duarte confirmed he had embraced numerous liberal ideas that have “enriched” his program and pledged to uphold these, even if the coalition does not elect any councilors from IL.
The former Minister of Parliamentary Affairs also revealed his meeting with Porto hostels this afternoon, where he committed to funding and building reception centers to address the growing demand for shelter from homeless individuals.
“We had extensive discussions on this today in a working meeting. We must invest because these people deserve all we can offer them to give them an opportunity. After providing this opportunity, we must also ensure those individuals engage with these programs and do not continue living on the streets,” he emphasized.
Candidates for Porto City Hall include Manuel Pizarro (PS), Diana Ferreira (CDU – PCP/PEV coalition), Nuno Cardoso (Porto Primeiro – NC/PPM coalition), Pedro Duarte (PSD/CDS-PP/IL coalition), Sérgio Aires (BE), current deputy mayor Filipe Araújo (Fazer à Porto – independent), Guilherme Alexandre Jorge (Volt), Hélder Sousa (Livre), Miguel Corte-Real (Chega), Frederico Duarte Carvalho (ADN), Maria Amélia Costa (PTP), and Luís Tinoco Azevedo (PLS).
The current executive comprises a majority of six elected from Rui Moreira’s movement and one independent councilor, with the remaining two from PS, two from PSD, one from CDU, and one from BE.
The municipal elections will be held on Sunday.
