The leading candidate for PS/Livre/BE/PAN in the upcoming municipal elections for the Lisbon City Council, Alexandra Leitão, has held current mayor and candidate, Carlos Moedas (PSD), responsible for the city’s degradation, with Moedas attributing the issues to previous socialist governance.
“We cannot correct in four years the mistakes of 14 years,” stated social democrat Carlos Moedas, responding to criticisms from socialist Alexandra Leitão about the state of degradation in Lisbon, from urban hygiene to security.
The candidates for the Lisbon City Council presidency in the October 12 municipal elections, were speaking during a debate organized by SIC on Monday night, also attended by João Ferreira (CDU-PCP/PEV) and Bruno Mascarenhas (Chega).
Urban Hygiene
Alexandra Leitão stated that the city’s urban hygiene is “mismanaged,” arguing that Lisbon “has never been so dirty and never smelled so bad,” proposing daily waste collection, a container washing center, and a burden study on the subject.
On this issue, Carlos Moedas responded with photographs from 2014 of trash in the Misericórdia parish.
Bruno Mascarenhas of Chega suggested the problem lies in the “poor quality of local government management” of urban hygiene, including “the ‘boys’ of the PSD,” a party he claims nominates candidates from Oeiras who do not understand what is happening in Lisbon.
From CDU, João Ferreira argued that the responsibilities in urban hygiene, shared between the city council and the 24 parish councils, are “poorly distributed,” requiring a reevaluation of the model.
Transport and Mobility
On mobility, Alexandra Leitão advocated for a balanced approach, where there is room for cars, public transport is strengthened, and there is “a more pedestrian-friendly city.”
João Ferreira committed to improving pedestrianization conditions, doubling the budget of the municipal company Carris, a measure costing 100 million euros, less than half the amount the city council forgoes by returning IRS to residents, and demanding that the Metro’s circular line operate in a loop system.
Bruno Mascarenhas stressed the need to eliminate some bike lanes to “facilitate traffic flow in the city.”
Security
Regarding security, Alexandra Leitão considered it a broad concept, including aspects like public lighting and conducting a burden study on city infrastructure to determine their safety, referencing the accident with the Gloria elevator.
The socialist argued that insecurity is addressed by reducing degradation of public spaces, less trash, and more lighting, as well as installing the 217 surveillance cameras licensed by the previous PS executive and reinforcing municipal police resources.
In response, Carlos Moedas said that in 2021, the lighting service had a team of 16, which is being doubled, claiming the city council has already created conditions to attract more municipal police officers, which decreased from 600 to 412, despite insisting on reinforcement from the government.
Bruno Mascarenhas supported the idea of increasing the municipal police force and stated that reinforcements had not arrived because Carlos Moedas “did not assert himself.”
For João Ferreira, having community police stations in the city is crucial in a preventive security dimension, as surveillance cameras have a “very limited” deterrent effect, insisting the municipal police should not deviate from their designated role.
The current Lisbon City Council president and candidate in the upcoming municipal elections, Carlos Moedas (PSD/CDS-PP/IL), reinforced that “it would be cowardice” to resign following the Gloria elevator accident, while Alexandra Leitão (PS/Livre/BE/PAN) called for clarifications “with serenity.”
Immigration
Regarding immigration, Alexandra Leitão emphasized the need to ensure safety and integration, while João Ferreira highlighted the importance for Lisbon to be an open and inclusive city.
Carlos Moedas stated that the city council has “significantly increased inspections” concerning immigrant accommodation in undignified conditions but refused to “go to extremes” and create societal friction, advocating for an immigration policy that allows the country to choose the type of workers needed.
The Chega candidate accused the social democrat of having spent four years encouraging the arrival of immigrants, including asserting that Lisbon is a multicultural city, stating the capital does not need overcrowded housing and “front businesses that harm the Portuguese economy.”
Follow here the minute-by-minute debate between the candidates for the Lisbon City Council in the municipal elections on October 12.
The following candidates are running for the Lisbon City Council in the municipal elections on October 12: Carlos Moedas (PSD/CDS-PP/IL), Alexandra Leitão (PS/Livre/BE/PAN), João Ferreira (CDU-PCP/PEV), Bruno Mascarenhas (Chega), Ossanda Líber (Nova Direita), José Almeida (Volt), Adelaide Ferreira (ADN), Tomaz Ponce Dentinho (PPM/PTP), and Luís Mendes (RIR).
The current municipal executive comprises seven elected members from the “Novos Tempos” coalition – PSD/CDS-PP/MPT/PPM/Aliança, seven from the “Mais Lisboa” coalition – PS/Livre, two from CDU, and one from BE.
