Local elections 2025: when voters separate action from salvation

The local elections of October 12th brought the country back down to earth. The local elections featured teams focused on action and community engagement, not national slogans , and the proof is there for all to see. The Socialist Party (PS) regained momentum in these elections, the Social Democratic Party (PSD) maintained its position and expanded its reach, which is perfectly normal given that it is the governing party. Others loudly proclaimed their salvation of the country, and despite gaining votes, failed to make the leap and even reach the goal of local executive power, falling far short of the 30 promised. I would say that the biggest growth came from citizen groups that secured 20 municipalities.

This result does not disprove what I wrote some time ago: young people, populism, and candidates matter. It has only become clear how much they matter.

Young people remain detached from traditional political machines when they are not given real space. But where lists have opened up to new figures and concrete causes, there has been greater mobilization. Populism weighs heavily, but it doesn't govern on its own. Voters understood the need to strengthen Chega's representation in assemblies, but hesitate to entrust it with municipal execution; proof of this is the 3 mayors elected, only 1 with an absolute majority. This compares to 128 PS mayors with 101 absolute majorities, and 136 from the PSD and coalitions with 109 majorities. The numbers speak for themselves. Finally, the weight of the candidates was decisive. In many municipalities, the work done, the political history, technical competence, and of course, proximity mattered more than empty promises or meaningless slogans.

But not everything remained the same. With fewer absolute majorities in municipal councils compared to four years ago, there is also more negotiation. And not only in municipal councils; municipal and parish assemblies are not exempt from this governmental complexity. Budgets, housing, licensing, among many other issues, require quick agreements if we don't want to lose the PRR (Recovery and Resilience Plan) and PT2030 (Workers' Rights Program 2030). In this scenario, it is up to citizen groups and political parties in opposition to know how to oppose, not to criticize routinely, nor to engage in demolition politics. It is up to them to oversee, propose realistic alternatives, and enable what is good for each municipality, for each parish. They were elected to serve and improve, not to impede for the sake of impeding.

The 2025 local elections were not a poll for the next legislative elections. The electorate is radicalizing in national discourse, but focuses on who manages the streets, schools, and sanitation. Voters separated rhetoric from action and demanded serious governance, execution, and transparent accounts. With fewer majorities and more negotiation, those chosen to lead must build bridges, and those in opposition must oversee and propose, not obstruct the path. The compass for 2029 is set: less noise, more action, more results. Whoever accepts to govern with this compass, governs. Whoever does not accept, returns or remains in opposition.