Dores Meira Stuns in Setúbal, Ending CDU's 24-Year Reign in Historic Election Upset

Dores Meira's Triumphant Return to Setúbal City Hall

In a dramatic turn of events, Maria das Dores Meira celebrated her return to the presidency of Setúbal City Hall at the Praça do Bocage, just steps away from the municipal building. This victory marks the end of the CDU's 24-year control over the city, a stronghold they had governed for nearly a quarter-century.

A Historic Defeat for the Communists

Meira's win not only represents a historic defeat for the Communist Party, which loses one of its two district capitals, but also the first-ever victory for the PSD and CDS in Setúbal. Both parties supported her candidacy, though she never displayed their colors or symbols during the campaign. Notably, prominent figures from these parties were absent from the election night festivities.

Election Night Tensions and Celebrations

The celebration was prepared with an abundance of food, including three suckling pigs, a spit-roasted pig, roasted chickens, and assorted sweets. However, early projections caused some anxiety among Meira's supporters, who had gathered early at the venue. While her victory seemed assured, the PS was much closer than expected, raising the possibility of a last-minute upset.

Ultimately, Meira reclaimed the city council but failed to secure the presidency in any of the five parishes. As of the publication time, the leadership of the municipal assembly was still being contested.

CDU's Decline and Chega's Rise

André Martins, the CDU's lead candidate and a former vice-president under Meira, conceded the poor result before 10 PM. The coalition between communists and ecologists dropped from first to fourth political force in Setúbal City Hall, with Chega now emerging as the third force.

António Cachaço, who replaced Lina Lopes in the local race, did not replicate Chega's success from the May legislative elections, where the party won in the district and municipality of Setúbal. However, he significantly improved on the party's 2021 local election results and, depending on the number of councilors elected, could become a key player in municipal governance.