Viana do Castelo. Gonçalo Pereira is running for the Free Party

Gerontologist and trainer Gonçalo Caseiro Pereira is the Livre candidate for the Viana do Castelo City Council in the October municipal elections, and he chose active aging as “one of the central priorities for the city's future.”

"The senior population is growing, and it's crucial that our city is prepared to respond to this challenge in a positive and inclusive way. Active aging and quality of life for seniors must be strategic objectives , with public policies that guarantee access to adequate healthcare, affordable housing, and ongoing social support," the candidate told Lusa news agency this Tuesday.

A native of Lisbon but living in Viana do Castelo, Gonçalo Caseiro Pereira, 42, holds a degree in Theater from the Cascais Professional Theater School and a degree in Gerontological Social Education from the Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo (IPVC) . In 2024, he was the Livre party's candidate in the legislative elections for the Alto Minho capital. The candidate proposes the promotion of "programs that facilitate the permanence of the elderly in their communities, with home support services , day centers, and actions to combat loneliness and social isolation."

"Furthermore, we will ensure access to adequate public transportation and the creation of inclusive public spaces that allow seniors to maintain an active and participatory life. Viana do Castelo must be a model of an age-friendly city, where the experience and knowledge of our older citizens are valued and where they play an active role in society," he emphasized.

The Livre candidate pointed out that "data from the 2025 Social Charter indicate that 19 active residential facilities for the elderly in the municipality are attended by 661 people, with a total capacity of 677 people." "There are 18 facilities with waiting lists. The 14 active Home Support Services serve 714 seniors and have a capacity for 941 people, with seven facilities having waiting lists," he said.

For Gonçalo Caseiro Pereira, the Livre party's candidacy "is not just about promises, but about action and commitment, with responsible and transparent management." "We will ensure that public resources are well spent, without waste and with full accountability to the population. I want to be a mayor for everyone— not just those who live in the city center, but also for the villages and parishes that often feel forgotten," he said.

In addition to the aging population, "youth unemployment and lack of opportunities, unequal access to education and decent housing are some of the problems" he identified in the municipality and which he guarantees that, "with dedication and concrete action, they can transform into opportunities for growth and renewal."

To combat youth unemployment, Gonçalo Pereira proposes "creating more incentives for companies to invest in the city and hire young people , especially in areas of innovation, technology, and tourism, internship programs, and partnerships with local universities." "The Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo could also help better integrate young people into the job market," he said.

Currently, the Viana do Castelo executive is composed of five elected by the PS, one elected by the CDU, one independent councilor (a social democrat who left the party to join Chega) and two councilors from the PSD/CDS-PP coalition.

In addition to the Livre candidate, the current president Luís Nobre (PS), Paulo Morais (PSD), Duarte de Brito Antunes (IL), José Flores (PCP/PEV) and Carlos Torre (BE) have already presented their candidacy for Viana do Castelo.

In the 2021 local elections, the Socialist Party, which has been in power for over 30 years, received 45.05% of the vote, the PSD/CDS-PP coalition 24.59%, the CDU 10.04%, and the Left Bloc 4.54%. The local elections will take place on October 12th.