“The president has become accustomed, from the very first day of his tenure, to taking credit for numerous measures that the Socialist Party implemented or prepared, presenting them as his own. However, the people – whom the president claims to value so highly – deserve the truth. Therefore, let’s speak the truth, as this is the minimum that political ethics demands,” stated Socialist Party deputy Carla Madeira.
Carla Madeira’s remarks were made regarding the mayor’s written presentation on the executive’s work between June and August, though Carlos Moedas initially dedicated his intervention to discussing the accident involving the Glória elevator that occurred on Wednesday, resulting in 16 deaths and dozens of injuries.
“The Socialist Party’s assessment of this document is neither radical nor fabricated. It is merely a statement of facts. We have more of the same: propaganda and victimization, two concepts the president excels at. As for concrete action, there is nothing noteworthy,” commented the socialist.
The areas criticized by the Socialist Party concerning Carlos Moedas’s governance include civic participation, housing, urban planning, mobility, safety, urban hygiene, and social policy.
“Lisbon once again needs a competent executive and a present president to develop a city that thrives not on social media, but in the daily lives of its people. A city that is authentic, clean, safe, and attracts residents through the quality of life it offers and the vibrancy of its economic fabric,” advocated PS deputy Carla Madeira, who is also a candidate in the October 12 municipal elections on the PS/Livre/BE/PAN list for Lisbon City Hall, led by Alexandra Leitão.
In response, the mayor and candidate for re-election by the PSD/CDS-PP/IL coalition, Carlos Moedas, emphasized that during this four-year term (2021-2025), the executive “invested 1.2 billion in the city,” noting that this was “456 million euros more than in the previous term” and with an execution rate of over 80%.
The social democrat highlighted the construction of 25 new facilities in the city, including six health centers, nine nurseries, and 10 schools, with 12 more under construction.
In the housing sector, Carlos Moedas noted the 560 million euro contract with the European Union, the delivery of 2,700 keys to Lisbon residents, support for 1,200 families in paying monthly rent, and the relaunch of cooperatives to build houses.
“It is true we could have achieved more,” acknowledged the PSD mayor, citing 600 homes and 600 student beds that were not built because the opposition, including the PS, did not allow it due to a “stigma against private involvement.”
Highlighting the necessity of public-private partnerships to tackle the housing crisis, the social-democrat also mentioned the “courage to double the tourist tax at a time when tourism regulation is necessary,” as well as its application to cruise ship passengers.
Besides the Socialist Party, both Livre and Cidadãos Por Lisboa (elected by the PS/Livre coalition) criticized the current management by Carlos Moedas.
During this meeting, the Municipal Assembly also approved, with opposing votes from PSD, IL, PPM, Aliança, CDS-PP, and Chega, a motion from BE supporting diplomatic efforts for the humanitarian flotilla heading to Gaza, and another from PCP for solidarity initiatives with the Palestinian people.
