Juvenal Silvestre, the Socialist candidate for the Union of Parishes of Palhais and Coina in Barreiro, allegedly struck a citizen with his vehicle and pursued him with a metal bar last week on the 16th.
On Monday, the Social Democratic Party (PSD) of Setúbal issued a statement recalling the incident and demanding a response from the Socialist Party (PS). The party states, “Such behavior, potentially criminal, dishonors democracy, weakens democrats, and insults the fundamental values of healthy democratic and societal coexistence.”
A video shared on social media captures the moment of the incident. In the footage, the candidate, inside a white van, is approached by a visibly displeased citizen, but the interaction is brief.
The van reverses for a few seconds before moving forward, hitting the citizen on the side, causing him to momentarily vanish from view. When he reappears, he seems uninjured, but Juvenal Silvestre is seen pursuing him with an object, presumably a bar, in hand.
The two men continue their dispute, and the video concludes at this point. The shared post adds that the object in Silvestre’s hand was a plumbing pipe and that “he played the victim and called the National Republican Guard.”
Protest Sparked by “Inaction” over Local Issues
The incident appears to have stemmed from resident protests against “ten months of inaction over a public water leak,” with the resident placing signs on public road barricades reading “Thank you, PS-Barreiro.”
Silvestre reportedly removed the signs the night before the altercation and was confronted the next morning by a displeased resident, leading to the described events.
Silvestre claims he was kicked after being immobilized to have the bar taken from him, which he allegedly used to threaten the other man. The resident denies any aggression.
PSD Demands Candidate’s Resignation as PS Remains Noncommittal
The Social Democrats emphasize, “All of us in public or political roles are subject to criticism, whether justified or not. But nothing justifies abusing our power or position to silence a disgruntled citizen.”
At the time of the incident, the PSD had already called for Silvestre’s resignation. Meanwhile, the PS acknowledged the right to dissatisfaction, discontent, and indignation, emphasizing its expression and freedom.
“Actions are at each individual’s discretion, as long as they respect the law. The PS-Barreiro appeals for expression through appropriate channels to contribute effectively to resolving identified issues, and proudly states that during the current term, no citizen’s rights have been limited,” reads a statement by local leader Rui Pedro Pereira.
The Social Democrats express in the latest note that “silence on such matters makes us complicit,” accusing the PS of complicity and questioning if the party will take any disciplinary action against Juvenal Silvestre.
