Sintra needs a future. Marco Almeida is the future

This year could well be the year that ushers in a new cycle in the life of the municipality of Sintra and brings to an end the one that has lasted for the last 12 years. Sintra was governed by a Socialist Party that was more concerned with being a “good student” than with taking the risks required of it for the development of the municipality and the well-being of its citizens. In this assessment, the Sintra Municipal Council preferred to present a millionaire balance in its bank accounts rather than investing in the governance of the Municipality. With more than €300 million, a reflection of years of lack of investment in infrastructure and public facilities, the residents of Sintra have lost quality of life.

With the decline in the quality of life of the people of Sintra, Sintra has lost its relevance. The second most populous municipality in the country was expected to take a keen responsibility and to play an increased role in the development of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area and the country. It is the PS that can be blamed for this lack of attendance.

Even one of the greatest promises of this socialist government — the construction of a new hospital — is only now in sight, and in the hope that everything goes well, its opening. An essential facility for the population has been transformed into an eternally postponed project, exposing the inability of the current socialist government to meet deadlines and meet the basic needs of our community and to coordinate with the central government, even when they share the same political affiliation. They were more concerned with privileging propaganda than our citizens. So much so that, where there had previously been delay, there has now appeared a rush to show off the completion of the works.

But that's not all. Where there was a lack of investment, there were problems.

In terms of mobility, we have problems on the Sintra line due to the lack of solutions on the Carris Metropolitana. The traffic congestion on the IC19, which is the subject of daily complaints. The traffic in the municipality is irreparable under this management, from parking to restricted mobility. The tourist overload and the lack of an effective mobility plan, with constant traffic jams, making life difficult for the people of Sintra. The infrastructure in Sintra is in need of requalification.

In urban development, where there is plenty of disorder. With housing prices rising and the exodus to neighboring municipalities, the lack of an effective affordable housing policy and incentives for new real estate projects is clear. Security, another neglected area, has been little or nothing done in recent terms, despite calls from the opposition (PSD) and the population for the implementation of a video surveillance system. Also in this area, in 2021, the installation of 143 video surveillance cameras in the municipality was announced, but their effective implementation remains to be carried out.

The future of Sintra must be one of development, growth and modernization, because we, the people of Sintra, want a more dynamic municipality, where investments are made with strategy and vision and where the quality of life of those who live here is at the center of public policies. The Council's bank accounts are not used to show off virtue, but to support the transformation of Sintra into an example of sustainable and innovative development.

It is time to stop listening to the people of Sintra saying that they want a municipality like Oeiras, Cascais or Mafra. Sintra must be a place where people can live with quality. A serious and objective plan is needed from the Sintra Municipal Council to increase the housing supply, encouraging the construction and renovation of properties to ensure that the people of Sintra can continue to live in the municipality.

Tourism is an asset for Sintra, but it needs to be managed intelligently. It is essential to balance attracting visitors with preserving the city’s heritage and improving the quality of life of its residents. A sustainable tourism model, focused on cultural and environmental development, is the way forward.

We also need a real mobility plan that reduces traffic chaos and facilitates access to the main points in the municipality.

We are less than five months away from the local elections in October. The national political cycle will continue to change in 2024 with the victory of the AD – PSD/CDS Coalition in the legislative elections. A clear victory for the Portuguese people who want change to continue and competence in governance.

In Sintra, this desire was also evident. But we cannot ignore the worrying growth of populist forces such as Chega, which has grown in the municipality by exploiting the legitimate discontent of many, but without offering any real solutions.

Sintra cannot make the mistake of choosing between PS stagnation and aimless radicalization.

Marco Almeida is the right choice to lead Sintra with seriousness, vision and commitment to people. With a career dedicated to public causes and in-depth knowledge of the territory, Marco Almeida represents a firm, competent and stable alternative. A close leader, prepared to govern responsibly and with the courage to do what is necessary.

The time has come to give Sintra back the future that was denied it over the last 12 years. A future of development, modernization and quality of life. A future where the people of Sintra once again believe that it is worth living and investing in this municipality.