Millionaires are discovering Portugal: Lisbon and Quinta do Lago on top
The municipal elections in Portugal brought some surprising results this year — especially in the Algarve. While the Socialist Party (PS) managed to keep control in most towns, the political landscape is clearly shifting.
In Portugal, mayors are directly elected by the people for a four-year term. This gives local politics a personal touch — very different from the Netherlands, where mayors are appointed. Other countries with elected mayors include Italy, Spain, and the United States.
In Faro, António Pina remains mayor. A familiar and respected name, he focuses on tourism, infrastructure, and quality of life. The voters clearly chose continuity and calm leadership in the capital of the Algarve.
The biggest shock came from Albufeira and Vila do Bispo, where the right-wing party CHEGA took control. Known for its populist and conservative stance, CHEGA emphasizes law and order, immigration control, and traditional values. That such a party gained ground in tourist areas shows how many locals are eager for change — or simply new faces.
In Loulé, the result was razor-thin: just 79 votes separated the Socialist Party from the centre-right PSD-CDS coalition. In the end, Vítor Aleixo (PS) held onto his seat. Aleixo is a calm and thoughtful leader with a focus on sustainability, community, and culture.
Under his leadership, Loulé has become one of the most vibrant and welcoming towns in the Algarve — home to the famous Festival Med, Loulé Jazz, and a lively weekly market that perfectly captures the region’s spirit.
Despite some progress, the Algarve’s town halls remain largely male-dominated. Out of 16 municipalities, only three are led by women — including Silves, São Brás de Alportel, and Lagoa. Many voters hope to see that number grow in the coming years.
The Algarve map may still look red, but small cracks are showing. PSD is regaining ground, CHEGA is rising fast, and independent candidates are becoming more visible. Whether this mix of experience and new energy will lead to better governance or more political tension remains to be seen — but one thing’s certain: politics in the Algarve just got interesting.
Millionaires are discovering Portugal: Lisbon and Quinta do Lago on top
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