Trouble in paradise: Aljezur’s ‘citizens coalition’ council starts showing signs of strain

Only nine whirlwind months ago, the rural municipality of Aljezur underwent a seismic change in municipal elections, rejecting years of socialism for a brave new ‘independent group of citizens’, focused ostensibly on doing everything the municipality needed, and which had forever been delayed.

Sadly, the ‘feel good moment’ appears to have passed. Municipal deputy Marta Nogueira de Goed, elected by Renascer, has cut ties with the group, citing “lack of debate” and the “sidelining of animal welfare and environmental issues.”

It was a decision she describes as an “act of consistency and loyalty toward Aljezur”. The councillor keeps her seat as in the municipal assembly, but is no longer registered as being part of Renascer.

In a statement sent to the Resident, the councillor explains that her “carefully considered decision” reflects her discontent with the group.

“My initial expectation when joining an independent group was that it would focus on active debate and the joint creation of solutions, which did not happen. What I experienced was a lack of debate, where issues were systematically addressed in ‘preparatory meetings’ lasting an hour and a half just before the assembly meetings. As an example, the she pointed to “the sensitive discussion regarding Vale da Telha at the end of last year—the legal gravity of which demanded deep reflection”.

A setback in animal and environmental protection

Another motive for ‘the split’ stems from the alleged sidelining of campaign promises related to the environment and animal protection—issues that originally drew Marta Nogueira de Goed into politics.

She recalls that incidents occurred “without any stance taken by the Mayor”, alongside a setback in effective support for the Associação Ecologista e Zooófila de Aljezur (AEZA) and the failure to reinforce the Municipal Veterinary Office.

“One could always argue that not enough time has passed, but the Mayor’s approach and statements regarding these matters, namely at the Assembly meeting on June 26, make clear an approach that is at times vague and at others different from what was agreed”.

Regarding the fact that she is now the only councillor not registered in a group, Marta stated: ‘No elected official is alone when defending the public interest. I am not worried, I am just disappointed.'”

The councillor is going to continue her mandate and reassures that her “actions will be focused on defending the interests of Aljezur, its people, and environmental and animal protection”.

Source: press statement from Marta Nogueira de Goed (image above)

Natasha Donn

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.