The decision by the Chega party to reduce their representation from four to three members within the municipal body, following Fernando Cardoso’s shift to independence, prompted Carlos Graça to inquire about addressing the concerns that led to the withdrawal from the ANMP in 2022, as well as the cost implications of rejoining the association.
Catarina Araújo, the deputy mayor, assured Graça that Porto is renowned for its sound financial management and that rejoining the ANMP will not jeopardize this, noting the membership cost to be 7,899.64 euros annually.
Agostinho Sousa Pinto of the Socialist Party labeled Porto’s exit from the ANMP as “unjustified.” He emphasized that membership ensures a voice and influence over decisions impacting Portuguese citizens, particularly those in Porto.
Susana Constante Pereira from the Left Bloc welcomed the decision, highlighting its impact on citizens’ daily lives when their city is part of such an association.
Joana Sousa of the Liberal Initiative described the move as a strategic decision beyond mere administrative restoration, yet highlighted the reasons behind Porto’s initial exit in 2022. António Agostinho Guedes from the independent movement echoed concerns about past instances where the ANMP allegedly limited municipal autonomy.
Diamantino Raposinho from Livre advocated for Porto’s return, arguing that the city can’t act in isolation and expressing hope for a strong voice from Porto to initiate discussions on regionalization.
José Maria Montenegro of the CDS-PP recalled that leaving was necessary at the time, whereas rejoining is now imperative.
Manuel Monteiro explained the PSD’s 2022 vote to leave as an acknowledgment of the municipality’s concerns during decentralization talks, critiquing the Socialist Party’s management, but he acknowledged that current circumstances call for a return to the ANMP.
Despite acknowledging flaws in the decentralization process, Francisco Calheiros from the CDU appreciated the association’s importance and criticized the reversal by members who had supported the exit and now favor a return.
On November 10, Porto’s new municipal executive approved rejoining the Associação Nacional de Municípios Portugueses (ANMP), with Miguel Corte-Real from Chega abstaining.
Porto’s mayor, Pedro Duarte, stated that irrespective of the initial reasons for leaving the organization, remaining outside is no longer justified. He emphasized a commitment to collaboratively strengthening local governance.
In 2022, the then-municipal executive, led by independent Rui Moreira’s movement, approved the withdrawal from the ANMP due to decentralization issues, with abstentions and opposition from various political parties.
In the municipal assembly vote, PSD members supported the exit alongside Rui Moreira’s representatives and Chega, while all other political groups opposed it.
