CDU Holds Strong in Lisbon Despite 'Negative' Night in Local Elections

A Night of Mixed Emotions for the CDU

It was a night of strong emotions for the CDU, which, despite being described by Paulo Raimundo as negative, managed to remain the third-largest force in local government, leading 12 municipal councils. This marks a decline from 19 councils in 2021, but the coalition held onto some of its key strongholds, with João Ferreira emerging strengthened from the experience.

Paulo Raimundo addresses supporters after the local election results
Credit: JOÃO RELVAS/LUSA

Late-Night Reflections and Strategic Decisions

In the early hours, João Ferreira descended to the press conference room at the former Hotel Vitória, reflecting the night of uncertainties faced by the communists. Speaking to journalists, the Lisbon candidate stated that the results acknowledged "a distinctive campaign" focused on "discussing the city's problems and presenting solutions."

The long wait led some supporters, especially older ones, to leave the Hotel Vitória. However, about a hundred remained, and the crowd grew after Paulo Raimundo finished his national campaign headquarters speech. Amid applause and chants like "The struggle continues" and "CDU!", Ferreira criticized the coalition of Carlos Moedas, saying it would "negatively mark the city's evolution."

A key point of questioning was the CDU's decision to run alone in Lisbon, distancing itself from the rest of the left united in the coalition led by Alexandra Leitão. This move had been criticized by other left-wing members, including former PS secretary-general Pedro Nuno Santos, who was instrumental in selecting many municipal candidates. Combined votes from Leitão's coalition and the CDU could have prevented Carlos Moedas's re-election.

João Ferreira defended this stance, denying any responsibility for the left's defeat. He argued that the left coalition's results were "inferior to the sum of the parts" from the 2021 elections, meaning the votes for PS, Livre, Bloco de Esquerda, and PAN combined were higher than Leitão's coalition's performance. Ferreira asserted, "If they have to blame someone? Only themselves."

Election Results and Opposition Role

In Lisbon, despite increasing its vote count, the CDU was the fourth political force, trailing behind the coalitions of Carlos Moedas and Alexandra Leitão, as well as Chega, with only Lumiar left to be counted. Ferreira accepted the responsibility of leading the opposition, stating, "What the city will be in the coming years will also result from the opposition."

He announced that "Carnide will continue to be CDU," which drew one of the biggest ovations of the night, especially since it was earlier reported that Moedas's coalition had ousted the CDU from its last parish council leadership in the city. By 1:45 AM, with 61.95% of votes counted, the CDU was leading in Carnide with 41.65% of the vote.

Supporters' Reactions and National Context

While awaiting results, CDU supporters gathered at the national headquarters of the PCP, celebrating even small victories over food and drinks. Discussions centered on how the results were not as bad as some journalists and commentators predicted, and on Chega's electoral performance. Some called André Ventura's party the night's big loser, given high expectations, while others noted how it "infiltrated" social neighborhoods to steal votes from the left.

Paulo Raimundo's speech was a highlight, applauded by those at the Hotel Vitória even though he was at another Lisbon hotel. He said the election results would "negatively impact" local governance and praised the "resistance groups" still active across the country. Supporters ended with chants of "The CDU advances, with full confidence."

The coalition lost important councils like Évora, Monforte, and Setúbal, where it fell to fourth place, but gained new ones in Montemor-o-Novo, Sines, and Mora. In 2021, the CDU won 19 municipal councils, its lowest ever, compared to a peak of 55 in 1982.