Filipe Daniel points to political ambitions for handing over portfolios
The mayor of Óbidos, Filipe Daniel, elected by the PSD in 2021, has already reacted to the handover of portfolios by the three councilors elected by the same party, which took place yesterday.
Filipe Daniel states that "from a political standpoint, I understand everyone's ambitions. However, for the mayor and local leader of a party with the PSD's pedigree, the shuffling of seats on the lists cannot override the need to renew the team and the interests of the residents, businesses, associations, and clubs in the municipality of Óbidos." He also states that "the mayor cannot, when putting together a list to run for re-election, be subject to pressure for one or another candidate to fill this or that position, much less be intimidated by the idea that someone might present an independent candidacy."
The mayor of Óbidos notes that these "did not resign, continuing to perform their duties" and that "at the end of their term, and already in the pre-election period, this decision, which I regret, does not jeopardize the normal functioning of the Óbidos City Council which, fortunately, has a structure of high-level leaders and collaborators who are focused on implementing the policies that are in progress."
Filipe Daniel also took the opportunity to "reaffirm my full commitment to the citizens of Óbidos" and to inform that "the City Council will continue to implement the structural projects already underway. These projects have a clear objective: to improve the quality of life for those who live and work in the municipality, regardless of political cycles or electoral circumstances."
The same publication also states that, “in due time, and exclusively within the party sphere, the renewed team with which I will run for election on October 12th will be announced.”
It should be noted that the three PSD councillors in the Óbidos Council – Margarida Reis and Telmo Félix – decided yesterday to “cease to exercise executive functions within the municipal executive, with immediate effect, relinquishing the portfolios to which they were assigned”.
The mayors justify their decision by saying they don't agree with the political choices. "These choices don't prioritize the greatest needs of the population of Óbidos, as we've had the opportunity to express on several occasions, without ever being heard," they argue. The councilors also argue that associations and organizations "deserve institutional treatment that recognizes and values the role they play in the municipality."
"We do not support the leadership style that the president has maintained over time, and we do not accept his removal and the lack of recognition of the merit, effort, and results achieved by the councilors of his executive," they conclude.
Vice-president José Pereira was responsible for Social Intervention, Housing, Urban Solid Waste, Green Spaces, Civil Protection and Public Transport.
Education, Cultural Health and Well-being, Youth, Sports and Management and Monitoring of cultural, recreational and sports institutions were the areas under Margarida Reis' responsibility.
Telmo Félix was responsible for Urban Planning and Management, Energy, Urban Regeneration and Requalification, Sustainability and Administrative Modernization.
The municipal executive is also composed of three councilors from the PS.
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