Portugal's Municipal Election Campaign Heats Up: Leaders Clash Over Housing, Immigration, and Political Strategy

Campaign Intensifies Across Portugal

As the municipal election campaign enters its second day, political leaders are crisscrossing the country, with a strong focus on the southern regions. Hugo Soares, the parliamentary leader of the PSD, is stepping in for Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, who is attending a European Union summit in Denmark. Soares's itinerary includes stops in Loulé, São Brás de Alportel, Vila Real de Santo António, and Tavira in the Faro district.

Key Issues and Debates

On the campaign's first day, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for "dignified living conditions" for all, including Portuguese citizens and immigrants. This set the stage for a heated debate among the 12 candidates for the Porto City Council presidency, broadcast on RTP1 and RTP3. Dominant topics included housing, transportation, and security, with real-time coverage available on the public broadcaster's website.

Party Leaders on the Move

José Luís Carneiro, leader of the PS, is targeting the Lisbon and Portalegre districts. After a train journey from Sintra to Lisbon, his campaign moves to Crato, Campo Maior, and Elvas, where a rally is scheduled. Carneiro strongly criticized the Prime Minister's remarks on slums, calling them "sad and inhumane" and accusing the government of "political opportunism" in timing the new immigration law with the elections.

André Ventura of Chega did not participate in campaign events on the first day, missing a planned rally in Sintra due to an "unforeseen event", according to party explanations. His absence was noted, with local candidate Rita Matias stating he was handling essential tasks.

Paulo Raimundo, secretary-general of the PCP, is campaigning in Viana do Alentejo, Sesimbra, and Coimbra. He accused opponents of the CDU of feigning disagreements while aligning on core issues.

Liberal and Left-Wing Perspectives

The president of the Liberal Initiative, Mariana Leitão, is focusing on Alcobaça and Caldas da Rainha, highlighting education and housing. She aims to elect more councilors and increase the number of liberal representatives in local governments.

Rui Tavares, spokesperson for Livre, is campaigning in the Setúbal district, including Seixal and Setúbal. He expressed confidence in former minister Ana Mendes Godinho becoming the next mayor of Sintra, emphasizing the goal to "win Sintra".

In the Porto debate, Sérgio Aires of the Left Bloc lamented the lack of discussion on homelessness and waiting lists for social housing, underscoring ongoing social challenges.

Election Details

On October 12, voters will decide on the leadership of 308 municipal councils, 308 municipal assemblies, and 3,221 parish assemblies. In 37 parishes with fewer than 150 voters, decisions will be made through citizen plenaries.

Source: Lusa