Power Struggle in PSD/Lisboa: Newton's Leadership Under Fire Amidst Internal Conflict

Ongoing Power Struggle in PSD/Lisboa

The internal conflict within the PSD (Social Democratic Party) in Lisbon continues as Newton, the leader of the municipal bench, faces accusations related to the "Tutti-Frutti" operation. Despite the elections initially scheduled for March 11, they have been postponed to March 18, only to be cancelled again due to a lack of support needed to form the bench leadership.

Impasse and Allegations

Newton's opponents accuse him of deliberately blocking the electoral process to maintain his position until the end of his term. The faction advocating for change only has eight supporters, falling short of the required nine to initiate a leadership transition. Although attempts were made to reach a consensus list, negotiations have stalled.

Upcoming Changes and Challenges

In response, Carlos Reis and his allies plan to convene a plenary session to propose amendments to the internal statutes, requiring only six signatures to modify the existing 60% rule. If successful, this could pave the way for a new plenary to organize internal elections, a process that might take nearly another month.

Newton's Increasing Isolation

The pressure on Luís Newton, who has suspended his mandate as a deputy but continues to serve as the leader of the PSD/Lisboa, is mounting. Recently, Pedro Corda, who publicly severed ties with Newton, won against Camila Botão, seen as a close ally of Newton, in the local elections for JSD/Lisboa.

Additionally, elections for the district JSD of Lisbon are scheduled for March 29. Diogo Bernardo Guerra, president of the Odivelas structure and also part of the Junta de Freguesia da Estrela, is set to challenge Eric Habibo, who is running for re-election and is closely linked to influential party members.

Serious Accusations Against Newton

Luís Newton has been accused of ten crimes, including five counts of prevarication and five of active corruption, allegedly committed during his presidency at Junta de Freguesia da Estrela. This situation has severely impacted the PSD structure in the city and involves figures connected to the socialist movement in the capital.

The Party's Future at Stake

There is a growing belief among influential social-democratic figures in Lisbon that the sooner they detach from Newton and the individuals linked to the operation—deemed toxic assets—the better their chances of ensuring that Carlos Moedas remains unaffected by the fallout from Tutti-Frutti and solidifying their influence in upcoming municipal elections. Currently, the PSD is struggling to prepare for the next campaign in the capital while this internal turmoil persists.