The Socialist Party (PS) in Gondomar has described the actions of its member, former councilor and former deputy Carlos Brás, as “censurable.” Brás is accused of establishing, integrating, and promoting a citizens’ movement aimed at contesting the 2025 local elections in the municipality, which is considered a serious violation of PS statutes and punishable by expulsion.
In remarks, Carlos Brás called the decision “untimely and inappropriate,” noting he had already resigned from the national leadership, a move confirmed on June 3rd.
“I tendered my resignation to the national leadership on June 2nd, and prior to that to the local bodies,” he ensured.
The PS/Gondomar justifies the proposed expulsion as necessary due to “political conduct that severely undermines the institutional integrity, public trust, and strategy” of the party.
The violation warrants expulsion as it contravenes the political direction defined by the party’s competent bodies. This behavior reflects significant disloyalty and lack of solidarity with PS members, the statement adds.
The PS notes that Brás was part of their electoral lists as a candidate for deputy in the legislative elections of May, demonstrating willingness to represent the party in Parliament. However, after the elections, he publicly admitted that he knew before the election campaign that he did not intend to take up the deputy role even if elected.
According to PS/Gondomar, this constitutes a severe breach of commitment to voters and the ethical and democratic principles governing the PS, seriously damaging the party’s prestige and good name.
The PS/Gondomar claims this act shows disrespect to voters and dishonesty towards party members who worked hard during the legislative elections. The behavior is intolerable and cannot be excused by any resignation request from Brás, which has not been formally presented to the local party structures.
On June 4th, the president of the PS Porto district expressed surprise at Carlos Brás’s independent candidacy.
In a video on the “Por Gondomar 2025” Facebook page, formerly used for Marco Martins’s 2021 candidacy, Brás justified his decision, stating, “people take precedence over parties.”
He announced his candidacy in response to increasing appeals following Marco Martins’s departure, which he found impossible to ignore.
Marco Martins took on the role of full-time leader of Transportes Metropolitanos do Porto on February 1st, with the presidency of the executive passing to then-vice-president and current PS candidate for Gondomar, Luís Filipe Araújo.
On June 6th, Marco Martins resigned from the presidency of the local PS council.
In a letter to party members, Marco Martins accused his successor in the municipality of changing his approach, “severing ties with the past, marginalizing people, and hindering ongoing projects,” stating there was a “climate of fear in the council.”
The candidacy for the Gondomar council includes current PS president Luís Filipe Araújo, former PS deputy and independent candidate Carlos Brás, teacher Maria Olinda (CDU), Manuela Carneiro (PAN), and lawyer Abel Gonçalves (ADN).
The Gondomar executive comprises 10 seats, currently held by six PS members, one independent, two from PSD, and one from CDU.
The local elections are expected to take place between September and October.
