João Rodrigues has made it a priority to make the Braga City Council governable and, as far as the DN knows, it is negotiating the entry of Catarina Miranda into the Executive. The socialist, number 2 on the list headed by António Braga, could be an important piece so that the president supported by PSD-CDS-PP and PPM can have more comfort in the proposals he presents.
The situation of the PS in Braga is not yet completely clear because the council leader, Pedro Sousa, is now the main face, as António Braga did not assume the mandate of councilor.
The coalition in Braga won the October municipal elections, but by less than 300 votes. As such, the Chamber is in a difficult position to govern, as it has three out of 11 mandates. He has filled the responsibilities of the team so far.
The Socialist Party and the independent movement led by Ricardo Silva achieved three mandates each. To DN, a month ago, João Rodrigues said that he had no plans to associate Ricardo Silva, but it could be the solution to be found to make the main proposals viable. And there are meetings taking place with the independent movement.
The man who governed one of the most important parishes in Braga, achieving a surprising result in the elections, wants the three elements to enter the Executive. “Among these conversations, the president ended up asking us if we would be willing to accept some type of responsibilities, but not the three councilors, just one or two of those elected. We said no, because we function as an elected bloc and had the trust of 21 thousand votersand therefore it doesn’t make sense to leave the working group”, Ricardo Silva told Minho University Radio.
If an element from the PS were included, it would not be necessary for three councilors from the independent movement to be present, because a majority would be reached (6 out of 11).
So far, from what has been possible to know, there would be no path to an understanding between the PS and the PSD. If Catarina Miranda chooses this decision, it will be an individual action, without conjugation with the party.
Rui Rocha, who remained a deputy in Parliament, is a councilor elected by the Liberal Initiative and met with João Rodrigues before.
“The Liberal Initiative, in coherence with the principles it defended in the electoral campaign, will therefore analyze on a case-by-case basis the proposals that may be discussed at Chamber meetings,” he said in a statement, rrejecting portfolios, but rather adopting “a demanding, constructive, rigorous, loyal, assertive and responsible opposition.”