Vítor Paulo Pereira, serving his last term as Mayor of Paredes de Coura, was re-elected for the second time on Friday as President of the PS district of Viana do Castelo.
Voter Participation
João Braga Simões, the president of the electoral organizing committee, reported that 604 out of the 1,031 eligible activists from the Viana do Castelo district participated in the vote. This amounts to approximately 60% of those who had the right to vote.
Activists from the ten councils of Alto Minho participated in the voting process. Additionally, members from three sections of the district capital—left bank of the Lima River, Vale do Neiva, and Viana do Castelo—also cast their votes.
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Furthermore, voters from two sections of the municipality of Caminha—Vila Praia de Âncora and Caminha—participated in the voting.
Outcomes of the Election
In addition to electing the president of the PS district Federation, the elections held on Friday between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM also selected delegates for the party’s district congress, scheduled for October 12 in Arcos de Valdevez.
Sandra Vietes was re-elected as president of Socialist Women, receiving 87% of the votes. The district committee of Socialist Women also secured 87% of the votes in the election.
Leadership Background
Vítor Paulo Pereira was first elected in December 2022 after the resignation of Miguel Alves, the former mayor of Caminha and former deputy secretary of state to the prime minister.
The re-elected leader, also a member of the PS National Political Commission, campaigned for a new term with the political orientation motion titled United for a Stronger Alto Minho.
Vítor Paulo Pereira Re-elected as President: Vision and Objectives
The document outlines four fundamental axes aimed at winning the upcoming battles. It emphasizes the need to modernize the party, making it more open to society and closer to the people. The newly re-elected leader aims to prioritize more effective communication with activists and civil society.
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Additionally, he intends to enhance the overall training of socialist mayors, leaders, and activists. This initiative seeks to equip them with the knowledge and tools needed for improved political performance, particularly to consolidate the results and objectives of local government.
Focus on Community and Results
Vítor Paulo Pereira emphasizes that his leadership will prioritize the lives of people, institutions, and companies in the district over political performances. He acknowledges, however, that the party will ultimately be evaluated based on its results.
In addition, he said in a note to the press:
This motion is for everyone. Everyone will be called to participate. Our Federation is the common home of those who want to transform our district into a more inclusive and developed place, which we want to leave as a legacy for our children.
Future Aspirations
Vítor Paulo Pereira outlines his objectives for the next two years as the leader of the PS in Alto Minho. He emphasizes the importance of consolidating electoral achievements and transforming them into tangible benefits for the district.
The socialist leader advocates for an active, intelligent, and pragmatic left that prioritizes innovation, education, energy, and digital transitions as key drivers for creating more qualified jobs. He argued:
We want better wages. And better wages are created through corporate investment in cutting-edge technologies. We want to be a left that is not only interested in sharing the value created by others, but that participates in its creation and demands fair social redistribution. Because those who actively participate in the creation of wealth have the right and the duty to demand its redistribution.
Commitment to Welfare State
The mayor and socialist leader asserts that a model of society capable of reconciling economic growth with a fairer society and the maintenance of the welfare state is viable. He said:
The welfare state is a non-negotiable value for us. And we know that we need to grow, produce more and export more and better because only then will we be able to continue on the path to the right accounts that will help support our welfare state.
Opening Up to Civil Society
Vítor Paulo Pereira also aims to open the federation to civil society. He emphasizes that the next local elections could provide an opportunity to welcome dedicated individuals committed to their district, helping the PS strengthen its candidacies.
He concluded by saying:
The more we attract good citizens , who have proven themselves in their professions and are active citizens in their respective municipalities, to participate in politics through our party, the better lists we will be able to present in the next local elections.
