Rogério Bacalhau Set to Transition from Faro Municipality to Lead Águas do Algarve

Rogério Bacalhau, the president of the Faro Municipal Chamber, announced today that he plans to leave his municipal role next Monday, pending a favorable vote for his appointment as president of the board of directors at Águas do Algarve. Bacalhau, who is currently serving his third consecutive term, cannot run for reelection due to the term limit law. His departure is set for January 13, which will elevate current councilor and vice-president Paulo Santos to the presidency of the municipality.

In a statement to Lusa, Bacalhau confirmed he was invited by the Águas de Portugal administration to lead the board of the company responsible for the regional water supply system. The proposal will be presented to the shareholders' assembly on January 13, and once confirmed, he will take on these new responsibilities.

Bacalhau stated, "I was invited to be the president of the board of directors. Águas de Portugal will propose me as president, along with the other members, to be voted on at the shareholders' meeting of Águas do Algarve." He expressed confidence in his election, as his name was proposed by Águas de Portugal, the majority shareholder along with 16 municipalities in the Faro district.

His transition to Águas do Algarve will see him succeed António Eusébio, another former chamber president. Additionally, former Silves mayor Isabel Soares will also step down from her vice-presidency role at Águas do Algarve when the new administration is elected.

This trend of municipal leaders transitioning to regional companies was also noted in May when Osvaldo Gonçalves, after 11 years as Alcoutim's mayor, moved to the administration of Algar, the Algarve waste management company. Notably, on December 4, it was reported that Bacalhau was preparing to leave his position as president of the Faro municipality.