Nelson Fernandes is the new PSD candidate for Mealhada

Electrical engineer Nelson Fernandes is the new PSD candidate for the Mealhada Municipal Council, a choice that came after the manager António Baptista Pires withdrew following a ruling declaring insolvency.

"I decided to run for the Mealhada City Council with a commitment to integrity, transparency, and complete dedication. The municipality has been stagnant for decades, the result of successive socialist governments," Nelson Fernandes emphasized.

Speaking to Lusa news agency, the 56-year-old candidate, who serves on the Cantanhede City Council, said the change in leadership has not brought about a true change in policies, and the population is already feeling the strain.

"I want Mealhada to grow at the same pace as its neighboring municipalities, Cantanhede and Anadia, and to advance with dynamism and ambition. I believe in a politics of proximity, in which elected officials are truly on the side of the people: listening, acting, and delivering," he maintained.

According to Nelson Fernandes, who is running for the position for the first time, his candidacy aims to contribute to “a more modern, fairer Mealhada with opportunities for all.”

“A municipality where our children can grow up with pride in their land,” he added.

Its priorities include promoting youth , aiming to create conditions for young people to find opportunities in the municipality to live, work and carry out their projects; as well as supporting agriculture, with the creation of a Farmer Support Office.

"Municipal technicians in the areas of engineering, architecture, accounting, culture, sports, and social action must be available to directly support communities, associations, and parish councils," he maintained.

In the housing sector, the electrical engineer wants the City Council to play an active role in revitalizing spaces and creating affordable housing solutions; while in firefighting and prevention, he identifies the need to promote the creation of safe villages , investing in population protection and land preservation.

If elected, he promises to support local artists and associations, organize events, and promote local identity, making culture accessible to all. He also promises to create an Economic and Social Development Office to attract investment, support local businesses, and promote social initiatives that contribute to improving the population's quality of life.

It also highlights the need to develop and support tourism in a municipality known for its Bairrada-style suckling pig.

"By valuing local cuisine, along with the attractions of Luso and Bussaco, each visit becomes a unique experience. In every parish there are points of interest, whether religious, historical, or environmental, that have never been properly identified and that most people are unaware of," he concluded.

In addition to Nelson Fernandes for the PSD, the current president António Jorge Franco, for the Independent Movement More and Better, and Guilherme Duarte, for the PS, are running for the Mealhada Chamber.

António Jorge Franco was elected mayor of Mealhada in 2021, by the Independent Movement More and Better with 37.82% of the votes, while the PS collected 29.54%, the Coalition Together for the Municipality of Mealhada 19.20%, the CDU 4.27%, the BE 3.10% and Chega 1.58%.

The Mealhada Council executive is made up of three elected members from the Independent Movement More and Better, three from the PS and one from the Coalition Together for the Municipality of Mealhada.

The local elections are scheduled for October 12th.

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