The Socialist Party (PS) secured four seats on the Almada City Council for the 2025-2029 term, while the Democratic Unity Coalition (CDU) obtained three seats with 20.6% of the votes.
The Social Democratic Party (PSD), which previously held a council seat that was revoked earlier this year after they rejected the city budget in the Municipal Assembly, elected two councillors as did the Chega party.
On election night, Inês de Medeiros, the socialist and incumbent mayor for the past eight years, announced her intention to engage in talks with all parties except Chega, labelling them as undemocratic. Subsequently, an agreement with the CDU was reached for the governance of Almada.
In her statement to the Lusa news agency, Inês de Medeiros explained that despite past occurrences, negotiations were initiated with the PSD and CDU, with the PSD indicating they would not accept any portfolios.
“The PSD immediately stated they were not interested, that they would not accept any portfolios, while the CDU showed willingness to engage in talks,” she stated, noting that the written agreement between PS and CDU is being finalized to ensure stability for community-focused governance, away from political disputes.
As a result of these discussions, CDU will manage urban hygiene and fleet, social intervention, health, as well as the presidency of Almada’s Water and Sanitation Municipal Services (SMAS). The administration will include a member appointed by the PS and another by mutual agreement, alongside managing associations and the House of Associations for logistical, technical, and legal support.
In a public note on Facebook, CDU explained their councillors would assume responsibilities under the assurance of an adequate budget, determined from a realistic assessment of infrastructure and equipment investment needs.
To formalize the executive roles, CDU will have two full-time councillors and one part-time councillor.
The agreement for the 2025/2029 mandate in Almada City Council by elected representatives of the Socialist Party and CDU entails conducting an external and independent financial audit of the municipal framework, including the Almada City Council (CMA), SMAS, and the municipal company WeMob, as soon as possible.
According to CDU, the audit serves as a tool for transparency and rigorous public management, with the process accompanied by representatives from both political forces.
In statements to Lusa, Luis Palma, one of the CDU councillors and a candidate for the municipality’s presidency on October 12, noted that CDU councillors now face challenging areas and intend to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment, consult workers, and attempt to bring services performed by external entities back under public control.
The coalition agreement between the Socialist Party and CDU for the governance of Almada has received criticism from the Liberal Initiative, which described it as a disregard for Almada voters since such an option was never mentioned during the previous electoral campaign.
For IL Almada, granting the CDU essential areas like Urban Hygiene, Social Intervention, Health, and notably the presidency of SMAS and associations “represents a significant concession by PS Almada, compromising the independence of municipal management and returning power to CDU Almada that the citizens did not grant at the polls.”
