João Azevedo handed the Socialist Party the first municipal victory in Viseu in democracy. To DN, the former mayor of Mangualde, on the eve of taking office, says that it was a years-long journey in opposition that earned him trust, praising the historic triumph obtained on October 12th.
Two weeks after the victory on the 12th, what does winning Viseu mean for the Socialist Party?
It is a historic victory because it was the only district capital that had never been governed by the Socialist Party. This victory marks the history of local power. There has never been democratic alternation. It’s a victory that makes me very happy for the public recognition that Viseu gave us. It’s the second time in my life it’s happened to me. It was like that in Mangualde, I was a kid and I won over Executives who were in office. I entered with a bankrupt Chamber and left with 70% of the votes. I’ve been a candidate 11 times, it’s been a life of combat.
Didn’t you think about running even after your defeat to Fernando Ruas in 2021?
Never, never. There was a clear commitment to being able to win the elections. I felt that it was a campaign that had a line of growth and that was pointing us towards this victory. My name was chosen in December 2019, so it was a medium and long-term commitment.
Who do you owe thanks to?
I pay a great tribute to Jorge Coelho and António Costa, who chose me, who invited me. And to my family, of course.
Do you feel comfortable governing?
The PS has as many elected officials as the PSD. We have four elected by the PS. I have more than 20 years of working in executive and non-executive positions in local government. You also need to know how to listen with tolerance and decide at the right time, without delays.
He mentioned in previous interviews that he would have to listen to all parties and that Chega could have an impact on management. It is Chega who breaks the tie in the Executive. Are you going to negotiate with the party?
He said he listened to everyone and everything. That [influência do Chega] came to be confirmed. There is no agreement with Chega. I will listen to anyone who wants to be for the good. There is a program approved by the population. Anyone who tries political tactics will harm the people of Viseu. I will take combat action against anyone who tries to avoid our work.
Do you expect the PSD to respect the wishes of the people of Viseu and facilitate governance?
The PSD’s elected representatives are part of the arc of democracy, they have been in power for many years. We never called into question territorial expansion projects and we had the means to do so. We have to implement our electoral program and whoever tries to condition it will, naturally, have a fierce reaction from the populations.
The PS has debated the issue of left-wing alliances and coalitions. In the victories, with the exception of Coimbra, the PS competed solo. Is the PS brand worth more on its own?
We never formed any coalition in Viseu, we have a 50-year history of political affirmation. But it’s the people who make the difference. We have people of great preponderance in civil society and great pride in representing the PS, but this is not a victory for parties. When I say this, I have the balance to say that there is an ideological process here, of ideological affirmation, plus the pragmatism of the mayor’s work, which was seen in Mangualde.
Are you afraid of finding inconsistencies in the Chamber’s accounts?
No no. The accounts are audited, they have official auditors, it is a modern Chamber, with serious people. Let’s give Viseu speed, we want to be regional leaders and make the city an investment volcano: private, national and foreign.
What were Fernando Ruas’ biggest mistakes?
The population spoke of the inability to execute, the unavailability of being with people. Time helps to wear out, whoever it is, that’s why I defend term limits as is [três consecutivos].
What do you want in terms of public investment and housing?
Let’s try to make up for lost time. There is a huge amount of money allocated to the municipality. In housing, there are two problems: the private sector and public housing. POn the one hand, there was inertia and inability to change and review the Municipal Master Plan [PDM]. We lost 200 homes in three years, remaining at 500. The Spatial Planning Plan was a disaster for Viseu. The second has to do with applying for PRR funds for public housing and affordable rentals.
How many homes do you think you can build in four years?
Realistically, we made a commitment of 1000 homes and This implies reviewing the PDM and consolidating PRR projects in the public sector. We know that there is a City Council Budget of around 130 million euros per year, then we calculate that there is an increase coming from the Local Finance Lawbut also through participation in community funds.
What is most important in the demands on Lisbon?
We have defined investments in the region: the implementation of IP3, in a highway profile, which has already begun, investments in the area of health and hospital care and Civil Protection, such as emergency medicine and firefighters.
Is there any progress planned on the railway?
The Beira Alta line has been completed and opened. The National Railway Plan includes Viseu on the line from Aveiro to Salamanca. There was a commitment from the Government, which characterized this as a priority work. I will meet with Miguel Pinto Luz and the Minister of Infrastructure will have the honor to come up with this solution. We intend to improve mobility in the municipality and intercity: better and more routes and free of charge. First, it will be free in Viseu, then later in other municipalities.