Rogério Bacalhau Steps Down as Faro Mayor to Lead Águas do Algarve – What’s Next?

Rogério Bacalhau's Transition to Águas do Algarve

Rogério Bacalhau, the current president of the Faro municipality, announced on Monday that he will be leaving his position on January 13 to take on the role of president of the board of directors at Águas do Algarve. This decision comes as Bacalhau is unable to seek re-election due to term limit laws.

Paulo Santos, the current vice-president of the municipality, is set to succeed Bacalhau as the new president of the local government.

Confirmation of New Role

Bacalhau confirmed to the Lusa agency that he has been invited by the Águas de Portugal administration to lead the regional water supply company. His appointment will be proposed and voted on during the shareholders' assembly of Águas do Algarve on Monday. Bacalhau expressed confidence in his election, stating, "The election is basically guaranteed" since he has been nominated by Águas de Portugal, the majority shareholder.

Implications for Faro Municipality

With Bacalhau’s departure, Paulo Santos will ascend to leadership of the municipality, just nine months ahead of the next local elections scheduled for September or October 2025. Bacalhau’s new role means he will take over from António Eusébio, who has also completed three terms as a mayor in São Brás de Alportel.

Additionally, former Silves mayor Isabel Soares will step down from her vice-presidency at Águas do Algarve once the new administration is elected.

This transition mirrors a trend seen earlier in May, when Osvaldo Gonçalves, the long-serving president of Alcoutim, left his position to join the administration of Algar, the Algarve waste management company.