## Carlos Moedas Takes Office for 2025-2029 Term

**Carlos Moedas**, who was elected president of Lisbon City Council with **41.69% of the votes**, will be sworn in for the 2025-2029 term in a ceremony held late this afternoon at the **Gare Marítima de Alcântara**.

The installation ceremony of the municipal bodies for the 2025-2029 quadrennium will take place from **17:00** at the Gare Marítima de Alcântara, with the swearing-in of the 17 elected members of the Lisbon City Council and the 75 deputies of the Municipal Assembly, which includes the 24 parish council presidents.

In the October 12 elections, Social Democrat **Carlos Moedas** was re-elected president of the Lisbon City Council through the "Por ti, Lisboa" candidacy – PSD/CDS-PP/IL, which obtained **110,586 votes (41.69%)** and secured eight mandates, one more than the seven achieved in 2021, falling just one short of an absolute majority, which would require the election of nine of the 17 members that make up the capital's executive.

![Carlos Moedas, president of the Lisbon City Council, in Lisbon, October 5, 2025.](https://bordalo.observador.pt/v2/q:60/rs:fill:980/c:2000:1121:nowe:0:0/plain/https://s3.observador.pt/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/11054507/45850771.jpg)

*Caption: ANTÓNIO COTRIM/LUSA*

## Political Context and Assembly Dynamics

In related developments, the **PS wants to preside over the Lisbon Municipal Assembly**, with Socialists proposing **André Moz Caldas** for the position. **Carlos Moedas** has accused the Socialists of trying to impose a solution rejected at the polls, highlighting ongoing political tensions as the new term begins.

Carlos Moedas, que foi eleito presidente da Câmara de Lisboa com 41,69% dos votos, vai tomar posse para o mandato 2025-2029 numa cerimónia ao fim da tarde na Gare Marítima de Alcântara.

Carlos Moedas Sworn In for Second Term as Lisbon Mayor in Historic Ceremony

## Presidential candidate Henrique Gouveia e Melo was the guest on Monday's Grande Entrevista on RTP. The former Chief of Staff of the Navy emphasized that he comes to "fight for the Portuguese" and reiterated that it was not Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa who motivated his candidacy.

"**Yesterday, a news story alleged that the President played a decisive role in my decision. That is not true.** This news is based on a book of interviews that was written, and there's nothing like verifying the interview," declared Gouveia e Melo. "In that interview, I do not say that, and therefore it is a false allegation attributed to me," he stated.

These statements come after Gouveia e Melo denied a November 9th news story from the Lusa agency titled *Presidential Election: Gouveia e Melo Reveals That It Was Marcelo's Attempt to Stop Him That Led Him to Run*.

The presidential candidate assured, in a statement, that this information is "false and suffers from an unacceptable lack of rigor, which is why the restoration of the truth of the facts is demanded."

The original Lusa news is based on excerpts from the book *Gouveia e Melo - The Reasons*, a long interview conducted by journalist and deputy director of Diário de Notícias, Valentina Marcelino, which will go on sale on Thursday.

In that interview, the admiral reveals that he decided to move forward to Belém when he read a news story in *Expresso* that Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa intended to stop his presidential candidacy by reappointing him as Chief of the Navy.

**When questioned tonight by journalist Vítor Gonçalves about whether he was convinced that Marcelo tried to stop his candidacy, Gouveia e Melo responded that it was not that conviction that made him decide.**

"It was not that conviction that made me decide one way or the other. That problem is in the past. What interests me are the problems of the future," he stated.

![Image from the interview](https://cdn-images.rtp.pt/icm/images/97/970853121a7f89960d754a3cb6f27a3f_N.jpg?w=860&q=90)

The candidate further clarified that when in the interview with Valentina Marcelino he responded that the news about Marcelo motivated him to run, he was referring to the title of the article and not its content.

**"My response has nothing to do with the content of the article, it has to do with the title of the article, which suggested that I was blackmailing the Government. That was a very ugly thing that was attributed to me and that I did not like,"** he explained.

"At that moment, I thought that I also did not have the conditions to continue exercising my functions normally within the defense."

Confronted with statements from presidential candidate Luís Marques Mendes, who said on Monday that Gouveia e Melo "whenever he speaks, has a certain tendency for three things: either to say some nonsense, or to enter into contradictions, or to generate haste and controversies," the admiral responded that he prefers to ignore it.

**"That for me is petty politics. It's petty intrigue. And it seems that Dr. Luís Marques Mendes has a fixation on me. And his protector also has a fixation on me,"** he said, referring to Cavaco Silva.

### "I can contribute to a significant change"

The candidate assured that what motivated him was "international instability, democracy with signs of internal fragility and internal discredit, an economy that is not buoyant and that distributes poverty instead of wealth, and some general lack of ambition."

"I am running because I believe that I must serve my country and the Portuguese at this moment in a political way, and not by continuing to serve in Defense," he emphasized. **"My party is Portugal and I come to fight for the Portuguese."**

When asked whether the president can play an active role in the problems he listed, Gouveia e Melo said he believes he can have "an active role through the magistracy of influence, but not only."

"Because the alternative is to say that the top of the political pyramid is only figurative, it serves for nothing. And that does not seem to me to be what semi-presidentialism is nor what our system is," he explained.

**"I believe that I can contribute to a significant change and to boost Portugal with the Government and with the entire political system,"** continued the candidate.

The admiral also said that he has the feeling that he is not running in a presidential election, but rather in a "second legislative election," since "all parties have a representative and all candidates, except for me, have a party of origin, a party that supports them."

### "Truly independent candidacy"

Gouveia e Melo declared himself as "truly independent" and considered that his adversaries will be "hostages" to party interests no matter how much they promise to be "the president of all Portuguese."

"I am the person most free from these interests," he guaranteed, absolutely rejecting the possibility of being conditioned by his supporters.

"If they think they will change my ideals, that I will move more to the left or more to the right, **that they will capture me as if I were a horse and they were mounting on my back, they will get a kick and jump off the back quickly,**" can be read in the book *Gouveia e Melo - The Reasons*, quoted by journalist Vítor Gonçalves in the interview.

**"I would not like to see in the Presidency any Trojan horse of any party,"** he argued.

"Our population is being attracted by increasingly radical solutions," he considered. "When the population is attracted by very radical solutions, what begins to be endangered is democracy itself."

"I will try, in some way, to give a chance and counteract that."

### "There is only one true poll"

Henrique Gouveia e Melo also declared that "there is only one true poll," the one on the day of the presidential elections, January 18.

When asked if he was worried about the result of an October 31st poll, conducted by Intercampus, in which he comes in third place, behind Marques Mendes and André Ventura, **Gouveia e Melo rejected the concern because "three other polls from three other companies indicate precisely the opposite."**

The candidate for Belém does not feel any "erosion" in his candidacy, but recognizes that the increase in the number of candidates "for all tastes and types" has diminished the Portuguese voters' intentions to vote for him.

"**Of course, that lowered in some way the voting intentions for a candidate who is not part of any party.** But I very much believe that the party that is Portugal and that unites the Portuguese will have a good result," he stated.

However, he acknowledges that achieving victory "is not a done deal, I have to do my work, I have to convince."

### "Serve without serving myself"

Regarding his curriculum and the lack of political experience pointed out by his adversaries, Henrique Gouveia e Melo highlighted that he has "the experience that matters" in problem-solving.

"I speak of the experience that matters. The experience of solving problems. I believe that I have sufficiently demonstrated the capacity to solve problems, I believe that I have sufficiently demonstrated my capacity for adaptation, **my flexibility and my moderate reading of what the world is,** I have demonstrated that to exhaustion," he stated.

The presidential candidate presents himself as a "moderate" and "balanced" person, whose "only desire is the good of Portugal and the Portuguese and to serve, without serving himself."

### "A good agreement is ten times better than a fight"

Regarding the general strike against the labor reform proposed by the Government for next year, scheduled for December 11, Gouveia e Melo recognized that it is necessary to flexibilize labor law but warned of the danger of "social cleavage" with the implementation of this reform.

"There is a need to make flexibilization without unraveling what is truly nuclear about workers' rights, because workers' rights are more than 99 percent of the population. **We are talking about affecting the rights of 99 percent of the population, it is necessary to be very careful when moving these things,**" he warned.

The presidential candidate said he is a defender of a "human and humanist" capitalism and saw as "a good step" the meeting between the Minister of Labor, Maria do Rosário Palma Ramalho, and the General Union of Workers (UGT).

**"There is nothing like an agreement. An agreement is ten times better than a fight, because the fight will unravel society and more than that it is not fair,"** he said.

When asked if he would limit the right to strike, Gouveia e Melo defended the right to strike but noted that "the president does not make laws" and "must respect the powers of the Assembly of the Republic," if he wants to make a law that has a relatively stable majority.

"The right to strike is a enshrined right and must be respected. There are many ways to avoid a strike and there are many ways, if there is a strike, to continue working with the country, because the law defines it that way, even if there is a strike," he stated.

**Regarding the political veto, Admiral Gouveia e Melo argued that it should only be exercised in "truly crucial situations, because otherwise the Presidency is superimposing itself on the functions of the Assembly of the Republic."** "And it should not do that because they are independent organs," he insisted.

Namely, in the privatization of Social Security, which he admitted he would veto "clearly" on "principle."

"I say clearly yes there. They are basic principles for me. **I would never let Social Security, which is the basis of trust regarding our future, become dependent on managers who one day could make some mistake,**" he argued.

### "It is not enough to announce reforms to the televisions"

When asked about his assessment of the current prime minister, Gouveia e Melo considered positive "the reformist will" of Luís Montenegro, who "initiated a set of reforms," but warned that "it is not enough to announce reforms to the televisions," it is necessary to manage, control, and take responsibility for their materialization and concretization.

"That reformist will is an important will because otherwise our country does not evolve, it is necessary for the country to evolve. But it is also necessary to be attentive to how that will be done, it is not only announcing reforms to the televisions, because they require day-to-day management so that they materialize and concretize," he declared.

**Accused by his adversaries of being an authoritarian person, Admiral Gouveia e Melo rejected a characteristic that does not define him but that he had to exercise in the scope of his previous functions,** namely as commander of the Armed Forces.

"First of all, I am not authoritarian. I had to exercise authority in the moments when it was necessary to exercise it," he stated. "I never exercised authority beyond what was necessary to fulfill my mission."

"And I never, never, shied away from my responsibilities. I always faced my responsibilities," emphasized Henrique Gouveia e Melo.

**The presidential candidate guarantees that he will not bring authoritarianism to the Presidency,** because unlike the military system, this "lives much on consensus."

### Abortion and euthanasia

When asked about the extension of the deadline for abortion, Gouveia e Melo considers that this is "a resolved issue in Portuguese society."

**Regarding the euthanasia law, the candidate admits it is a "difficult issue" because as a defender of "life until the last instance"** he considers that "it must be lived with dignity, without pain because otherwise it is human torture," but argues that it should not be facilitated so as not to become an "instrument of utility."

"To what extent we can extend life with dignity and without torture, is truly the great question," he stated. "Now there is a danger, we should not facilitate euthanasia because otherwise euthanasia can be an instrument of utility."

If he does not win the presidential elections, Admiral Gouveia e Melo admitted "finally enjoying retirement" and dedicating himself to other things, namely in the technological field, which his "fixation on serving the country" did not allow him to do.

Henrique Gouveia e Melo disse ter a sensação de que não está a concorrer a umas eleições presidenciais, mas sim a umas "segundas legislativas" e afirmou que não gostaria de ver na Presidência "nenhum cavalo de Tróia de nenhum partido".


Gouveia e Melo Declares War on Party 'Trojan Horses' in Presidential Race

### Judge Susana Seca announced the suspension of the Marquês Operation trial until December 4, citing alleged delaying maneuvers by former Prime Minister José Sócrates and his former lawyer Pedro Delille.

In a lengthy ruling read at the 35th trial session in Lisbon's Central Criminal Court, the judge highlighted that the suspension stems from a request by Sócrates himself, who argued that his defense rights were being compromised. **She accused Sócrates and Delille of engaging in dilatory tactics**, particularly pointing to Delille's resignation from the case.

As a result, **the court-appointed defense lawyer has been dismissed**, and a new 20-day period will begin for Sócrates to appoint a new attorney. This decision led to the cancellation of hearings for 39 scheduled witnesses, including Vítor Escária, former chief of staff to António Costa and an ex-advisor to Sócrates.

Judge Seca emphasized that, despite the disruption, the trial should proceed continuously under normal circumstances, but she opted for suspension to prevent potential legal irregularities. She noted that **Delille should have continued representing Sócrates during the resignation period but instead abandoned the defense**, prompting the appointment of a court lawyer.

In her remarks, Seca underscored her duty to prevent "impertinent or merely dilatory expedients" and stated that **the actions suggest an intent to prolong the trial's conclusion**. While acknowledging that the interruption could harm other defendants, she moved forward with the suspension to safeguard procedural integrity.

A juíza Susana Seca anunciou que o defensor oficioso nomeado para representar o ex-primeiro-ministro cessa as funções e que irá correr o prazo de 20 dias até ser nomeado novo advogado.

Judge Accuses Former PM Sócrates of Stalling Tactics, Suspends Marquês Trial Until December

In an interview with RTP News this Monday, **Maria do Rosário Palma Ramalho** insisted that **this is the right time for labor reform** and that the legislation could improve **"rights and guarantees for workers"**.

**"Trade union confederations don't vocalize this part, but in fact there are a set of workers' rights that are reinforced in this reform,"** stated the minister, giving parental leave as an example, but also for young people and students.

**Maria do Rosário Palma Ramalho considered that there was an "epidermal" reaction after the reform announcement.** "Labor matters are always matters of great passion," she noted.

The minister also considered that **UGT "should differentiate itself from CGTP" because the latter made it clear from the start "that it did not want to negotiate."**

**Maria do Rosário Palma Ramalho criticized UGT's stance but said she believes it will still be possible to reach an agreement with social partners.**

"From UGT's side, I consider it extemporaneous to make this announcement [of a general strike] now because we are sitting at the table negotiating," she noted.

Even with some negotiation margin, the minister states that **the Government is not willing to withdraw the entire labor proposal and intends to "maintain the main lines."**

![Minister of Labor](https://cdn-images.rtp.pt/icm/images/6d/6d2b3d9e602080503d3f74eb1f762e6c_N.jpg?w=860&q=90)

<iframe src="https://cdn-ondemand.rtp.pt/nas2.share/informacao/2025/wministra19_1011ww_453459.mp4"></iframe>

Questioned about the need for the new labor package, the government official considered that it is when the labor market is robust and without economic shocks that structural reforms should be made.

"It is at these times that we have time to reflect on the need to adapt the labor market, and also labor legislation, to the challenges of the 21st century, of work in the digital era," she emphasized. The Government maintains private meetings with social partners in the coming weeks. The social concertation meeting will be on December 10, the day before the date announced by CGTP and UGT for the general strike.

For the Minister of Labor and Social Security, current labor legislation does not keep up with the evolution of the labor market.

"We have very serious structural problems that result, precisely, among other factors, from the fact that our legislation does not keep up with the economy and does not promote productivity. It is based on a work model that is from the 20th century, even from the 19th century," criticized the minister.

The government official pointed to low productivity levels in the country "28 percent below the European average," a wage level "35 percent below the European average," and a significant wage disparity between men and women, above 14 percent.

Em entrevista à RTP, a ministra do Trabalho disse que continua a negociar com os parceiros sociais, incluindo com a UGT. Afastou ainda a possibilidade de retirar "toda a proposta" sobre revisão laboral. 


Labor Minister Slams Union Strike Announcement as 'Extemporaneous' Amid Reform Negotiations

## Lisbon, Cascais, and Quinta do Lago Among Top 50 Destinations for High-Net-Worth Individuals

According to the **Savills HNWI Hotspot Index 2025**, **Lisbon**, **Cascais**, and **Quinta do Lago** have secured spots in the top 50 locations most sought after by high-net-worth individuals (HNWI). Lisbon holds the 26th position, Cascais the 33rd, and Quinta do Lago the 43rd, reinforcing **Portugal** as a premier destination for investors who prioritize **safety**, **quality of life**, and **economic stability**.

The study, part of Savills' Spotlight on Wealth Trends report, identifies **Dubai**, **New York**, and **Singapore** as the top three global wealth centers. Key factors driving international demand for Portugal include rising investments from the **United States** and **Brazil**, attracted by the blend of **lifestyle**, **connectivity**, and a **secure environment**.

![SAVILLS.jpg](https://static.diarioimobiliario.pt/image/convert/dimo/2025/11/11/savills-6913247d971cd631017821.jpg?s=fe93ddcc1e4a3675b399d02726451462)

The report evaluates around 100 destinations based on criteria such as **business environment**, **family infrastructure**, **succession planning**, **lifestyle**, and **privacy**. In Europe, **Monaco** (6th), **London** (10th), and **Geneva** (11th) lead the rankings, while **Rome** (19th) and **Milan** (23rd) are emerging as growing markets.

Rita Bueri, Head of Residential at Savills Lisbon, stated, "Lisbon's presence in the top 30 confirms the city's international recognition as a **competitive destination**, combining **history**, **innovation**, and **quality of life**."

Additionally, the report notes that **global wealth** is becoming more decentralized, with increasing appreciation for coastal and rural areas like **Tuscany**, **Aspen**, or **Zermatt**, valued for their **space**, **privacy**, and **well-being**.

Kelcie Sellers, Associate Director at Savills World Research, emphasized, "The new wealth map is more fluid, decentralized, and globally distributed than ever. Where talent and capital converge, wealth follows. In this new era, the next hotspot will be determined less by legacy and more by **agility**, **vision**, and the ability to attract the most global individuals."

Lisboa, Cascais e Quinta do Lago integram o ranking das 50 localizações mais procuradas por pessoas com elevado património líquido (HNWI), segundo o Savills HNWI Hotspot Index 2025.

Lisbon Ranks Among Top 30 Global Hotspots for Millionaires in 2025

**Natixis is launching a special brand activation in Lisbon** from November 7-13, coinciding with Web Summit, Europe's largest technology event. The "Natixis Moves You" initiative reflects the company's innovative and inclusive spirit, connecting with Lisbon's tech, academic, and business communities.

This presence reinforces Natixis Portugal's commitment to **valuing diverse talent, innovation, and proximity**, showcasing its contribution to Portugal's growing tech ecosystem.

## Movement That Generates Transformation

Natixis's brand activation brings a movement of ideas, careers, and connections to various city points, strengthening its presence in the capital and engaging with local and international tech communities.

Under the "Natixis Moves You" motto, the main feature is a **customized brand bus** that will circulate through strategic Lisbon locations, focusing on innovation hubs, universities, and corporate zones to highlight the company's energy and values.

Simultaneously, the **Natixis sailboat will navigate the Tagus River** between Parque das Nações and Cascais, displaying the brand's colors and dynamism along the city's waterfront.

The week's highlight will be the **Natixis Networking Event** on November 13 from 6 PM to 9 PM at Martinhal Oriente. This exclusive gathering will bring together tech talent, local community members, guests, and Natixis teams in a relaxed atmosphere celebrating innovation, connections, and the future.

Beyond networking and idea-sharing, the event aims to showcase Natixis's technological work, demonstrate its innovative and collaborative culture, and inspire potential candidates to grow with the company.

![Natixis activation in Web Summit context](https://bordalo.observador.pt/v2/q:60/rs:fill:560/plain/https://s3.observador.pt/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/10165822/natixis-moves-you.jpg)

*Infography | Carlos Hipolito*

[Register here](https://luma.com/3u7t2cgq) to join the brand at this exclusive event.

## Natixis in Portugal: A Global Transformation Engine

Natixis Portugal is a **Competence Center** with a mission to transform traditional banking by developing innovative solutions for Groupe BPCE's business, operations, and work culture worldwide.

As part of the group's international division, Natixis creates solutions for its two main areas – **Corporate & Investment Banking** and **Asset & Wealth Management** – as well as other group entities.

Currently, the company employs approximately **3,000 professionals** from over 45 nationalities, organized into three main areas: information technology, banking support activities, and compliance. These teams work in an integrated, inclusive, and cross-functional manner, supporting all group business lines and platforms.

The Natixis Portugal team is characterized by a **mindset of proximity and agility**, combining the stability of a global organization with the entrepreneurial spirit of a startup, fostering a multicultural, collaborative, and innovation-oriented environment.

Até dia 13 de novembro, a Natixis em Portugal vai dinamizar uma ativação de marca especial em Lisboa, no contexto da semana da WebSummit, o maior evento tecnológico da Europa.

Natixis Brings Innovation Energy to Lisbon During Web Summit with 'Moves You' Activation

## Souto de Moura Signs Portugal's Representation at COP30

**Eduardo Souto de Moura**, the renowned **Pritzker Prize-winning architect**, has been selected to design Portugal's national pavilion for the **COP30 United Nations Climate Change Conference**. This marks the **first time Portugal will have a custom-designed pavilion** at this prestigious global event.

![Portugal Pavilion Design](https://backoffice.construir.pt/app/uploads/2025/11/Fotografia-site-792x475.jpg)

The project emerges from a strategic partnership between **Casa da Arquitectura** - where Souto de Moura serves as Honorary Associate - and the **Ministry of Environment and Energy**. This collaboration recognizes architecture as a **strategic national asset** essential not only for promoting Portugal's image but also as a crucial tool in combating the **climate crisis** and driving the **energy and environmental transition**.

### Pavilion Features and Design

The 150-square meter pavilion will feature **two facades** and include:
- **Auditorium zone** for presentations and discussions
- **Networking area** for international connections
- **Technical support zone** for operations
- **LED wall** for visual communication, displaying a video produced by Casa da Arquitectura

The space will be complemented with **custom furniture** designed by architectural legends **Álvaro Siza** and **Souto de Moura**, reinforcing the value of Portuguese architectural creation and authors.

### Historical Significance and Timeline

Souto de Moura emphasized that this project stands out from typical state commissions: "This project gave me pleasure to create, both in conception and execution, because it was done in appropriate timeframes so the result has the quality it deserves."

The conference holds special significance as it:
- Takes place in a **Portuguese-speaking country** (Belém do Pará, Brazil) for the first time
- Coincides with the **10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement**
- Marks **20 years since the Kyoto Protocol came into effect**

The COP30 conference runs from **November 10-21, 2025**, positioning Portugal at the forefront of climate dialogue through architectural excellence.

A concepção e construção do pavilhão de Portugal surge da parceria estabelecida entre a Casa da Arquitectura, da qual o arquitecto Souto de Moura é associado honorário, e do Ministério do Ambiente e da Energia. Com 150 m2 e duas frentes, o espaço contará com uma zona de auditório, uma área de networking e uma zona técnica de apoio, além de uma LED wall para comunicação visual

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