Hélder Sousa e Silva, a former mayor and current Member of the European Parliament, officially announced his candidacy for Almada’s municipal leadership, stressing his varied experience as beneficial for the leadership change that residents desire.
At 59, the social democrat previously served as mayor of Mafra from 2013 until his 2024 resignation to pursue a position as an MEP, elected on the PSD/CDS-PP coalition ticket.
While Sousa e Silva acknowledged limited longstanding ties to Almada, he accepted his party’s invitation to instigate transformation in an area where PSD has historically lacked a foothold.
Despite not having deep connections to Almada, he claimed a moderate understanding of its issues due to roles held at the Lisbon Metropolitan Area and National Association of Portuguese Municipalities.
Sousa e Silva outlined key priorities: health service issues, internal and Almada-Lisbon mobility, housing challenges, urban cleanliness, and attracting tourism and investment.
With health and mobility as dual priorities, he emphasized ongoing transportation challenges despite recent infrastructure improvements. Housing issues, he noted, are exacerbated by shortages impacting local youth and families in substandard accommodations.
Urban cleanliness and urban planning remained priorities, alongside tourism and investment efforts, he asserted.
Sousa e Silva took on the challenge of leading the PSD bid for Almada, motivated by commitment and careful family deliberation, aiming to provide an alternative to the area’s longstanding socialist governance.
With the election set for October 12, Almada voters face a choice between transformation or maintaining the status quo, he stated, envisioning a vibrant and sustainable urban future.
The electoral race for Almada’s leadership includes five candidates, featuring incumbent socialist Inês de Medeiros, seeking a final term.
Though yet to launch her campaign officially, De Medeiros received backing from Almada’s PS Political Committee.
Also contending is Luís Palma for CDU, Sandra Cunha for BE, and Carlos Alves for IL. The current governing coalition comprises PS, CDU, BE, and PSD members, historically forming an absolute majority.
Almada, home to nearly 184,000 residents across 70 square kilometers, will hold municipal elections on October 12.
