“Two years after the government of the right-wing coalition of the ‘New Times’ and what do we have? What dream drives the city? What projection of Lisbon in the future? What proposals do you present and do you have for Lisbon residents? Nothing, none, Lisbon continues to drift”, declared PS municipal deputy Carla Madeira.
As part of the debate on the state of the city, the socialist negatively criticised the leadership of the “Novos Tempos” coalition (PSD/CDS-PP/MPT/PPM/Aliança), which has governed without an absolute majority, since October 18, 2021, under the presidency of social democrat Carlos Moedas, who defeated Fernando Medina (PS) in the last local elections.
Carla Madeira pointed out flaws in the areas of urban hygiene, mobility, environment, security and housing.
“Lisbon is dirtier, we can’t ignore it, but it’s not the PS’s fault”, stated the socialist, noting that the “Novos Tempos” coalition is also against smooth mobility, creating obstacles to the implementation of cycle paths, as well as the increase in car traffic in the city.
The mayor responded to Carla Madeira's intervention: “I feel, and I say this with some sadness, that there is still a non-acceptance on the part of the Socialist Party, a non-acceptance of victory, and I think that this is problematic for our democracy”.
The leader of the PSD municipal group, Luís Newton, also considered that “the nostalgia that the PS has for the time it ruled the city was clear […] it doesn't know how to not be in charge, it's not governing, it doesn't know that”.
Know little of your politics. Just an annual visitor who pays high short term rent to enjoy this lovely country. This time, a month with 3 days in Lisbon. I note higher costs but that is a worldwide phenomenon. What I did notice is a great change in Lisbon over a single year. I believe one of your legislators described it as a carnival. An apt description. A flood of operators appear to have invaded for the fast Euro. The aggressive marketing of your government "as the place to be", has turned the normal friendly atmosphere into a haven for all inclusive price cutting hucksters populated by large groups of selfiie photographers pumping into each other and failing to take a few minutes to even appreciate the place forming the background to all their self portraits.
Rome and other world cities have suffered this fate. Lisbon must decide if it is for it's it's people or just another tourist sideshow for those who visit,drop some money and then add a checkmark to their list of " seen that"
By R Milrod from Other on 25 Oct 2023, 17:24
Monocle Magazine, with respected and sophisticated bureau correspondents in the major capitals of the world, has recently voted Lisbon as the ninth most liveable city in the world.
By Ian Tamaris from Other on 26 Oct 2023, 10:56
I live in Lisbon for 9 years and must say none of the political parties did the favour to the city and it's people. There is no doubt that Lisbon is one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe and it is expected to have large numbers of tourists. On the other side it needs to have local government that will have comprehensive strategy of tourism development. And all of them failed or still failing. We must not forget that Lisbon as well as Porto belongs firstly to the people who lived there. Now that is not case. From mid of April until end of December it's not possible to live "normal" life. And if you come to Lisbon from mid of January to end of February you will see empty city, because locals are leaving or they already left. It looks like a prop for some historical movie. So someone needs to sit and check the structure of the tourist and decide what kind of the people you want to attract. Is it youngsters who are coming with Ryanair and come for fun or you want more family oriented people who will actually enjoy history and heritage. Then they need to decide about the numbers, more is not always the best and profitable. Third is the offer and this is more on state. At the moment tourist are choosing Lisbon and region around the city, Porto or Algarve. Portugal needs diversification as soon as possible and to redirect more people to places such as Coimbra, Braga, Braganca, Castelo Branco, Tomar, Viseu,to all those natural parks in center and north. If you advertise Lisbon as cheep destination for fun that is exactly what you will get. Drunk youngsters and not only them drunk.... There is one point where I can agree with the lady from PS and that is hygiene in Lisabon. It is disaster how it was.
By Vlad from Other on 27 Oct 2023, 07:05
Vlad, just to say that I'm a femake senior citizen, but still fly in from Stansted on Ryanair! I've visited Lisbon around 11 times over 35 yrs and Porto three times. I come for the history, architecture, scenery and atmosphere. I travel by local train, ferry and bus, to see other gorgeous towns like Guimaraes, Braga etc. I too dislike the taking over of historical & scenic areas by drunken youth hell-bent on taking selfies, to upload to Instagram. Ask them what they know of Portugese culture & history & you'll get a blank state in return...
By Suzy from UK on 27 Oct 2023, 11:55