Lisbon's Election Battle: Housing Crisis, Overflowing Trash, and Transport Woes Take Center Stage

In Lisbon, a city grappling with a severe housing shortage, overflowing trash containers and inadequate public transport are sparking heated debates among mayoral candidates.

Residents like Esmeralda, a custom frame seller, and Cristina, a teacher in the Graça neighborhood, voice frustrations over the lack of cleanliness in the streets—a sentiment echoed across the city. Criticism of urban hygiene is rampant, with many pointing to full garbage bins forcing waste to be left on the ground.

Alexandra Leitão, candidate for the "Viver Lisboa" coalition (PS/Livre/BE/PAN), highlights a "deficit in management" under the current administration, citing the absurdity of residents unable to dispose of trash properly. João Ferreira of the CDU notes that despite increased spending on urban cleanliness, results have worsened. Bruno Mascarenhas from Chega warns of problems with cockroaches and rats, blaming the city's drainage plan.

All opponents of incumbent Carlos Moedas accuse the city council and parish councils of passing the buck on responsibilities. Only Moedas, seeking a second term, claims improvements over the past four years. His coalition "Por Ti, Lisboa" (PSD/CDS/Iniciativa Liberal) promises to increase garbage collection from three to six days a week.

Housing, security, and mobility emerge as top priorities. Leitão proposes building 4,500 homes on municipal land through private partnerships, offering incentives for 20% affordable rentals, with a focus on expanding the Alta de Lisboa area. Moedas counters with unlocking projects in Vale de Santo António and Vale de Chelas, aiming to provide 700 rental homes for youth in historic neighborhoods.

Ferreira advocates for expanding public housing and revising the Municipal Master Plan to combat real estate speculation, criticizing past approvals of hotels on public heritage. Mascarenhas suggests private construction of 70-square-meter T2 apartments for youth at 700 euros rent but attributes broader issues to immigration.

On transport, candidates demand more resources for Carris and address excessive car traffic. Moedas proposes a Lisbon-Oeiras metrobus and a Lisbon-Loures tram, while Leitão pledges free passes for all.

Security discussions include reopening closed police stations and enhancing community policing. Debates also cover the impact of tourism and local lodging, with residents lamenting the loss of Portuguese commerce in areas like Graça.