Lisbon's Left-Wing Coalition Rally Draws Over 1,000 Supporters
In a packed pavilion at Casal Vistoso, the PS/Livre/BE/PAN coalition held its first major campaign rally, with over 1,000 attendees, including party leaders and former PS ministers. The atmosphere was charged as speakers took aim at political rivals and outlined their vision for Lisbon.
Alexandra Leitão's Four Priorities for the First 30 Days
Alexandra Leitão, the coalition's lead candidate, kicked off her speech with a pointed remark at the PCP, which declined to join the coalition. She thanked those who "knew how to put Lisbon above all interests" and presented a list of four immediate priorities if elected:
- Create a support fund for victims of the Glória Elevator incident
- File a precautionary injunction against increased flights at Lisbon Airport
- Approve the local accommodation regulation
- Launch a major urban hygiene operation across the city
Leitão criticized current mayor Carlos Moedas for what she called "four years of governance without ambition, strategy, management capacity, or leadership." She emphasized that the election is "decisive" for Lisbon and warned that each year lost deepens inequality in the city.
José Luís Carneiro Appeals for Concentrated Left-Wing Vote
PS leader José Luís Carneiro echoed Leitão's sentiments, stating that "only those who wanted to be here are here," in another dig at the PCP. He urged voters not to waste their ballots and called the PS the "consequential vote." Carneiro defended Leitão against accusations of radicalism, saying her "intransigence in values and principles" is a strength.
Rui Tavares Criticizes PCP and Moedas
Livre spokesperson Rui Tavares compared the coalition to a "responsibility tram" that the PCP chose not to board. He accused Moedas of "neglecting the city" and aligning with the IL to "fire people" at the city council. Tavares also highlighted issues with tourism management and the Glória Elevator, promising a different approach under Leitão.
Other Coalition Speakers Join the Fray
- Marisa Matias (BE) focused on housing and high rents, accusing Moedas of governing for "unicorns or self-promotion."
- Inês Sousa Real (PAN) called for a female mayor and criticized Moedas for creating a Lisbon for "tourist itineraries and unicorns."
- António Vitorino, the campaign manager, warned that vote dispersion could benefit the "radical right" and emphasized the need for change.
Moedas Fires Back from Telheiras
Meanwhile, Carlos Moedas campaigned in Telheiras, accusing Leitão of representing "chaos" and hiding her coalition partners, including Mariana Mortágua. He expressed shock at Leitão's silence on recent vandalism in Lisbon and defended his record, promising no retreat in his projects.
JOÃO PORFÍRIO/OBSERVADOR
Broader Political Context
The rally comes amid a heated campaign, with other parties also active:
- In Porto, Nuno Melo joined Pedro Duarte to accuse the PS of having a "hidden program" on accounts and immigration.
- João Ferreira (CDU) criticized Moedas's late focus on immigration inspections and highlighted urban hygiene as a political issue.
- André Ventura (Chega) campaigned in Marvila, targeting corruption and promising a strong result in Lisbon.
Leitão concluded by urging voters to imagine "four more years of Carlos Moedas" and warning of the social cost of inaction.
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