The coalition “A New Ambition” aims to mark a new chapter and restore future ambitions to the municipality, according to a statement released by the parties.
“Vila Real has everything to lead the region. We all know more can be done, but for 12 years, we have been sidelined, waiting for solutions from Lisbon or Largo do Rato [headquarters of the PS in Lisbon], while other cities moved forward with strategy and vision,” stated Alina Vaz, as indicated in the note.
The director of the Employment and Professional Training Center (IEFP) and president of the social-democratic town council, who was previously announced as the social-democratic candidate for this city hall, mentioned that the coalition arises to put an end to “this cycle of tactical and conformist governance” that has been in place for 12 years under the PS.
In her opinion, there is potential and talent to be valued, and opportunities to be seized.
“While other district capitals advanced with clear strategies, attracting investment, creating innovation hubs, retaining young people, and boosting their economies, Vila Real was left behind and lost across the board,” she commented.
Alina Vaz emphasized that the municipality must once again inspire the region, reassume leadership, and grow with vision, strategy, and purpose.
“It is time to create housing solutions that retain young people and their families, to support small business owners, to give space to ideas that emerge and endure in our territory, and to recognize the work of the municipality’s professionals,” she stressed.
The coordinator of the Vila Real branch of IL, António Carvalho, noted that the coalition between these “two humanist and reformist parties” represents a union of efforts and “a clear signal that Vila Real will have a future after the next municipal elections.”
In the municipality, in addition to Alina Vaz representing the PSD/IL coalition, the candidacies of the current executive president, Alexandre Favaios of the PS, and Alberto Moura of Chega have also been announced.
In 2021, the PS won the municipal elections in this municipality with 17,472 votes (58.44%), securing five seats, while the PSD obtained 8,576 votes (28.68%) and two seats, with Chega coming in third with 1,246 votes (4.17%).
The municipal elections are expected to be held between September and October.
