Local Referendum on Traffic Restrictions in Lisbon? Alexandra Leitão Weighs the Possibility

Alexandra Leitão Considers Local Referendum for Traffic Restrictions in Lisbon

The PS candidate for the Lisbon City Council, Alexandra Leitão, has expressed her openness to the idea of increasing traffic restrictions in certain areas of Lisbon. She argues that holding a local referendum could be beneficial, stating, "It's a matter of proximity to ask: 'Do you want this street closed to traffic or not?'"

In a joint interview with Público and Rádio Renascença, Leitão referenced Paris as a successful example where a local referendum led to the decision to close 500 streets to increase pedestrian space and greenery.

On other topics, the socialist candidate did not commit to ongoing issues such as the continuation of the drainage plan, traffic limitations, or the review of the municipal master plan (PDM). However, she emphasized the need for the municipality to purchase public buildings to address the city's housing problems and to implement various affordable rent programs established by previous administrations.

Regarding a potential "broad left coalition" in the upcoming municipal elections in Lisbon, Leitão mentioned that she is engaged in informal discussions with the Left Bloc, the PCP, Livre, and PAN. She believes in seeking this broader coalition, drawing inspiration from Jorge Sampaio as her reference point. For now, her priority remains the upcoming early legislative elections, in which she confirms she will not be joining the PS candidate lists.