Lisbon's Carlos Moedas Takes Down Political Posters: A Move for Visual Clarity

Political Poster Removal in Lisbon

In a bold move to enhance the visual appeal of Lisbon, Mayor Carlos Moedas has initiated the removal of political posters from Alameda Dom Afonso Henriques, marking the second emblematic location in the city to undergo this change after Marquês de Pombal. The municipality aims to eradicate these "visual stains" from highly trafficked areas, with reports indicating that six posters from various political parties were removed "coercively" after prior notifications were ignored.

Municipal Justification

The municipal services clarified that political parties were given a deadline to voluntarily remove their advertising. When they failed to comply, the city took action on Thursday morning, removing the posters themselves. Moedas emphasized that the removal of the Marquês de Pombal posters received overwhelming support from the public, and this latest action is part of a broader initiative to preserve the beauty and heritage of Lisbon’s historical sites.

Future Plans for Alameda

The city is also working towards classifying Alameda Dom Afonso Henriques as a "Conjunto de Interesse Municipal" (Municipal Interest Ensemble), which would strengthen their stance against the placement of posters in this area, similar to the successful campaign at Marquês de Pombal. A municipal directive dated October 28, signed by the Director of Culture, Laurentina Pereira, has already set this process in motion.

Historical Context

Moedas has previously faced backlash for his decisions to remove political advertising, notably at Marquês de Pombal, where he was accused of violating political rights. Despite these criticisms, he remains firm in his belief that the removal of such posters is essential to protect the city’s cultural and aesthetic integrity. He has stated that the city’s actions are backed by legal provisions intended to safeguard national monuments and public interest buildings from visual pollution.

Legal Challenges Ahead

While the campaign has been met with public support, it is not without controversy. The National Elections Commission has previously indicated that municipalities lack the authority to regulate political advertising, suggesting that such decisions should be left to the courts. In the past, Moedas faced criticism from political parties, including the PCP, which labeled his actions as arbitrary and a breach of democratic rights.

Moedas remains undeterred, reiterating his commitment to maintaining the visual integrity of Lisbon’s historic sites.