Local elections: Carlos Gouveia Martins promises to restore "pride" to Portimão

Carlos Gouveia Martins is the face of the coalition that brings together PSD, CDS-PP and Iniciativa Liberal to the Portimão City Council in the next local elections.

The candidacy was presented this Thursday, July 24, in the auditorium of the Portimão Museum, before an audience full of supporters.

With the slogan "Portimão. Again," the mayoral candidate argued that it is time to recover "the pride and sense of belonging that has been lost," proposing a new political cycle "with a 25-year vision" and solutions to the municipality's problems.

"This candidacy isn't born out of personal ambition. It's born out of the urgency to do things differently and better. I don't just want to lead a council. I want to return Portimão to the people of Portimão," he stated.

Carlos Gouveia Martins said that his team wants to structure the territory with a long-term perspective, "with a method focused on Portimão 2025-2050."

To this end, he explained, preparatory work has already been carried out, including a team-building event with more than 100 participants from different areas—from technicians and specialists to field professionals—to listen and gather input.

Four priority axes

The application is based on four main axes: security, housing, accessibility and mobility, and economic and territorial development.

In the area of security, the candidate proposes the creation of a Municipal Police Force, stating that "it makes no sense for enforcement functions to be handed over to the municipal company EMARP ." The new force would be responsible for monitoring public spaces, urban noise, local traffic, and the protection of municipal facilities and events, and would maintain a close relationship with citizens.

In the housing sector, the coalition promises a specific plan for the parish of Mexilhoeira Grande, aiming to retain young people. In this area, the coalition also plans to create an academic and technological incubator to attract educational institutions, innovative companies, and development projects, contributing to the diversification of the local economy.

Another structural project announced is the urban development of the area north of the National Road ( EN125 ), with the creation of a new city center, where the installation of housing, commerce, services and qualified public spaces is planned.

"We want to transform the northern entrance to the city, which is currently just a road, into a beautiful, lively, and useful area," argued Carlos Gouveia Martins.

In Alvor, the candidate aims to address the silting of the estuary and intervene in the fishing community's warehouses. The candidate recalled that "the only time this process was truly addressed and implemented was by the PSD, almost 40 or 50 years ago," ensuring that the coalition will address the issue again. He also revealed that he has already spoken with the Minister of the Environment, Maria da Graça Carvalho , and the Secretary of State for the Sea, Salvador Malheiro, and a meeting with both is scheduled for soon.

List of known names

During the presentation, the candidates for the remaining municipal bodies were also announced. José Pedro Caçorino is running for president of the Municipal Assembly. Hugo Carrajola Teixeira is running for Alvor Parish Council, Carmen Esteves for Mexilhoeira Grande, and Fábio Zacarias for Portimão Parish Council. The full lists are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

Carlos Gouveia Martins, 38, is from Portimão. With a degree in Public Administration and Territorial Policy and a postgraduate degree in Communication and Marketing, he has business and international experience, having created his own businesses. He was a visiting professor at the University of Algarve and the Faro School of Hotel Management and Tourism. He is a member of the Portimão Municipal Assembly and the Algarve Intermunicipal Assembly. He is active in associations, having served on the board of directors of Portimonense SC and the Sardine Gastronomic Brotherhood, positions he left to dedicate himself to his candidacy.

José Pedro Caçorino, 64, was born in Guinea-Bissau and has lived in Portimão since his youth. With a professional background in forestry, pig farming, and insurance, he is retired and currently works as a consultant. He has served as a councilor and member of the municipal and parish assemblies. He is a member of associations such as the Portuguese Red Cross and the Portimão Lions Club.

Hugo Carrajola Teixeira, 48, has degrees in Culinary Production and Hotel Management. He is the executive chef of a hotel group. Known in local culture, he is the author of the Alvor March, has performed in theater, and is the lead singer of a Doors tribute band.

Carmen Esteves, 51, is from Mexilhoeira Grande. After completing her 12th grade education, she has worked in retail, hotels, and restaurants. She invests in her continuing education, taking photography and makeup courses. She is active in charitable activities and values artistic expression through dance and theater.

Fábio Zacarias, 27, is the youngest of the candidates. Former president of the Academic Association of the University of Algarve, he represented the institution on several national and international bodies. He led municipal youth and education councils in Faro and Portimão. He is currently the regional director of GrupoPIE Portugal. He also has ties to Portimonense, as a former athlete and coach.