I have never hidden the great love I have for my region, and as soon as possible I responded positively to the challenge of the SDP in the sense of helping the region in its weaknesses. This is exactly what I have been doing since 2019, with the activation of the JSD, several sections of the JSD district, the PSD section in Almodóvar, with the election of more representatives to the municipalities, with the restoration of many militants who were aloof from the participation policy. We also managed to reach a critical mass for a more active participation in the party. In short, I can say that the motive for my re-election was precisely the opportunity to continue the work that my team had already done and which was reflected in the percentage of votes that we were able to get in this election, 96%.

What is the highest priority for this mandate?

Unite people and ideals in the sense that we can create conditions for increasing political weight in the region from 2025. I believe that “the path is paved by walking”, and also that there is still much to be done in the area. At the moment we have many needs that need to be pointed out and it is vital that we continue to fight for them, among which I highlight the need for more continuing care units and the lack of health professionals. Our hospital is the only district hospital in the country that does not have an MRI machine. We have to improve the Beja airport and we need to electrify the railway. We need a motorway connection to Beja airport and we also need to benefit from the “triangulation” of Porto de Sines-Alqueva-Beja airport which is underused. Thus, it is a set of priorities that complement each other.

He says he wants to “leave the party where it deserves to be, run for election to win.” What is your strategy for this?

First of all, I must emphasize that I want to run for elections in order to win, exclusively for the region, and not power for the sake of power. PSD is the means by which we propose to improve the lives of the inhabitants of the Lower Alentejo. Therefore, we must always remember that a political party is the best tool we have at our disposal to better serve the people who are the true center of political action. My strategy involves a deep knowledge of the needs of the area, because only in this way can we arm ourselves with the most appropriate means to solve the problems and challenges that currently exist in the area, and there are quite a few of them. I intend, in line with what I have always done, to maintain a transparent and serious attitude so that people continue to trust us. Just as I believe more in field sociology than secretary storytelling, I also believe that in order to help people, we need to be closer to them. We have to experience their problems and really feel what people feel.

Do you think there will be conditions for the SDP to again lead the city council in the region in 2025?

Of course yes! I am sure of it, and I also feel that the region has such a need. And from what I’m diagnosing, people now more than ever are aware of this shortcoming.

In Beja, the SDP-led coalition serves as a “balance point” in the PS-led executive with the same number of advisers as the CDU. How do you rate the performance of Nuno Palma Ferro?

Councilman Nuno Palma Ferro, with nobility and great responsibility, performed the function, as he rightly said, “the keeper of the balance.” He showed great accessibility and commitment to someone who loves his land. Without departing from social democratic ideals, he managed to give priority to what his municipality really interests – its development.

Did Luis Montenegro bring new enthusiasm to the party?

Luis Montenegro showed himself as a leader close to the structures and bases of the SDP, but, in fact, to the Portuguese. He was sharply opposed, reacting in a timely manner to the actions as well as to the inertia of the government, often putting pressure on him to take measures that he considered necessary for the good of the country.

Looking at the region, what worries you the most?

Undoubtedly and in general terms, territorial discrimination! I’m talking about oblivion, for which the central government constantly votes for us. Sometimes it seems to me that Alentejo as a whole is part of another country, different from the one that so often lives only by three F’s: Fatima, Football and Fado. And what a sad fate we have that without stadiums and patrons we fall into oblivion so many times. From a practical point of view, my main concern is the exodus of people from rural areas, which is a direct consequence of the aging of the population and the decline in investment in the region.