At the presentation of the PSD/CDS-PP/IL coalition's election program - "For you, Lisbon" - at the Belém Cultural Center, Social Democrat Carlos Moedas, the current mayor, said he is "halfway there" to changing the city, emphasising that four years will not change "14 years of stagnation" under the Socialist Party government.

Greeted with applause from a packed room of hundreds, Carlos Moedas was joined by ministers from the current PSD/CDS-PP government, such as António Leitão Amaro, Joaquim Miranda Sarmento, and Miguel Pinto Luz, whom he thanked but also addressed requests, particularly regarding increased police force.

Also present were João Cotrim de Figueiredo, former leader of the IL and presidential candidate, as well as Teresa Morais, vice president of the National Assembly, and Leonor Beleza, vice president of the PSD.

In a speech lasting over 30 minutes, the PSD/CDS-PP/IL candidate for the October 12th local elections recalled the last four years of government, with a vision focused on the local welfare state, culture, and innovation, which is maintained in the presented electoral program, with 15 measures.

Urban waste

One of these measures is a new urban hygiene management model, with the resumption of unsorted waste collection six days a week instead of three, Carlos Moedas indicated. He stated that the waste problem predates 2021, when he took office, and was created through "poorly executed decentralization," with responsibilities being divided between the city hall and the 24 municipal councils.

Security

Regarding security, the Social Democrat emphasized that Lisbon is a safe city, but expressed concern about the increase in sexual violence. He also emphasized the need for more police officers, appealing to the government for at least 100 more municipal police officers and 500 more PSPs, "because Lisbon has lost 1,300 police officers and 200 municipal police officers in the last 15 years."

Carlos Moedas insisted that "the municipal police should be able to arrest a thief and take him to the police station." He suggested expanding community policing areas, deploying night guards, and reinforcing the number of video surveillance cameras, increasing them from 95 to 216.

Green spaces

Regarding green spaces, he highlighted the fight against climate change, mentioning the drainage tunnel, "which began in 2023, not in 2018 or 2015." He proposed the renovation of the Monsanto Forest Park, investment in Papa Francisco Park, and the rehabilitation of the Tapada das Necessidades, with 20 million euros from the tourist tax.

Carlos Moedas highlighted "an absolutely incredible project" in the Santo António Valley and Chelas Valley, totalling approximately 250 hectares to build "a new city within the city," including housing.

Taxes

Regarding taxes, the candidate highlighted the 5% IRS tax refund to Lisbon residents (the maximum allowed by law) and adopted a "liberal stance" by reducing the 476 municipal taxes "by at least half."

Other measures include the Unicorn Factory, "which was ridiculed by so many" and which created 16,000 jobs and now aims to create "30,000 jobs" within four years; 710 housing units for young people in historic neighbourhoods; ending the zero-payment licensing system; and creating the Cultura na Rua program, with more art and performances in public spaces.

"Investing more in culture—that's the recipe for ending polarization," he emphasized.

Running for Lisbon City Council in the upcoming local elections are: Carlos Moedas (PSD/CDS-PP/IL), Alexandra Leitão (PS/Livre/BE/PAN), João Ferreira (CDU-PCP/PEV), Bruno Mascarenhas (Chega), Ossanda Líber (New Right), José Almeida (Volt), Adelaide Ferreira (ADN), Tomaz Ponce Dentinho (PPM/PTP), and Luís Mendes (RIR).

Currently, the municipal executive includes seven elected members from the "New Times" coalition - PSD/CDS-PP/MPT/PPM/Aliança, seven elected members from the "More Lisbon" coalition - PS/Livre, two from the CDU, and one from the BE.