In very demanding conditions, the results have confirmed the CDU as an important force in local government.

The results show a decrease in the CDU’s electoral expression – whether in terms of its votes and mandates, or in terms of the municipalities where it is the majority force. This result does not reflect the recognized legacy of work and participation of its members elected to local government bodies, and will have a negative influence on the conditions that could ensure an administration corresponding to the interests of the populations.

The electoral expression that has resulted cannot be divorced from the fact that the CDU’s result had to be secured in a particularly demanding context. The campaign faced a series of adverse factors, which had to be confronted, and in part minimized, by the mobilization and commitment of thousands of activists and candidates. An important response was given by asserting the work, honesty and competence, which were recognized as an important reason for support and confidence.

While the result is negative overall, it reveals as a whole elements of resistance – winning the majority in 12 municipalities, of which four are new majorities (Mora, Sines, Montemor-o-Novo and Aljustrel), thus belying the many predictions about an inevitable trend for CDU losses, and confirming the real possibilities for advances and the recovery of local government bodies which have now seen a negative outcome. These elements take on an even greater significance, given the conditions in which these elections were held and the difficulties that had to be overcome.

The positive trend in the CDU’s result in the city of Lisbon must be noted, with the election of João Ferreira reflecting the importance and recognition of the CDU as a force that brings solutions, that has the best project and the people that are best equipped to take on the management of the municipality. This has partially prevailed over dynamics that seek only to add voters, without any serious project that is different from that which PS and PSD have imposed on the city over the past 24 years.

In all circumstances, it must be positively noted that the overall results reveal the importance of the CDU’s work and the recognition of its elected members’ activity. These are factors of confidence that are reflected, especially in municipalities with a majority, in an electoral expression that is significant when compared with that which was achieved [in the general elections] last May.

The CDU’s result was negatively impacted by, among other aspects, national factors and in particular the dynamics that tend to disdain the local scope and nature of these elections and the deliberate confusion that is made between what are the responsibilities of local government and of the central government, thus intensifying the consequences of the long-standing campaign of lies and falsehoods about the PCP’s activity and stances, which has been particularly intense during the past four years and three general elections. There has been a greater dispersion of political forces, some of which have no legacy or attachment to local government work, but which have been intensely promoted. Media prominence was given to reactionary forces and points of view that helped to divert attention from what was at stake in these elections. The significant number of forced changes in the first names on lists [due to reaching the legal limit for terms as presidents] had an impact, despite the worth and guarantees that were given by the new teams and candidates. And, in some cases, the difficulties that were created for a more affirmative management and for the CDU project, as a result of the obstacles and boycotts by others.

CDU greets the thousands of activists who, side by side with the candidates, built the campaign of enlightenment and mobilization that helped to build the CDU’s results.

In each and every parish and municipality, the CDU elected members will be present with their work and achievements, with their proposals and solutions, so as to ensure, together with the populations, development and better living conditions.

The country’s situation is marked by profound injustice, constraints and dependence, and by an offensive that seeks to destroy rights and worsen exploitation.

The country’s situation demands clarity, courage and initiative. Clarity in fighting back against the right-wing policies, no matter who carries them out. Courage in confronting the interests of big capital, the reactionary forces and the impositions by the European Union. And initiative to wage an intense political activity, to mobilize the struggle, to defend and materialize the rights that are enshrined in the Constitution.

It is necessary to fight back against the regression inherent in the labour [legislation] package, as of now with the participation in the National March against the Labour Package which CGTP-IN has convened for November 8, in Lisbon.

Now is the time for action and initiative, for a more just society and world, and for a different course for the Country, ensuring a patriotic and left-wing policy that serves the workers and the people.