In a surprising turn of events, Lisbon’s current Mayor has been re-elected in Portugal’s municipal elections, an outcome delivered less than six weeks after a devastating streetcar crash in the capital claimed 16 lives, including 11 tourists, sparking widespread public outrage.
Mayor Carlos Moedas, leading a right-of-center coalition, secured a decisive victory with 42% of the votes in Lisbon. His closest contender, left-of-center leader Alexandra Leitão, garnered 34% of the vote, according to official results released late on Sunday, October 12, 2025.
Despite intense public pressure, Mr. Moedas firmly denied any responsibility for the tragic incident on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, which stands as one of Lisbon’s most profound tragedies in recent memory. He notably refused calls for his resignation.
Carris, the company responsible for operating the city’s streetcar service and other public transportation, falls under the jurisdiction of the Lisbon City Council. An ongoing official investigation is currently scrutinizing whether inadequate maintenance contributed to any failures in the streetcar’s braking system or safety cable.
Throughout his four-year tenure as Mayor, Mr. Moedas has also faced criticism regarding his policies on housing, immigration, and trash collection. These issues have become particularly pressing as Lisbon grapples with a significant influx of tourists and rapidly escalating real estate prices.
At 55 years old, Mr. Moedas is considered a promising figure within Portugal’s center-right Social Democratic Party and is frequently mentioned as a prospective future Prime Minister.
His initial election as Mayor four years prior was seen as a strategic move for politicians aspiring to national leadership, with the mayoral position of the capital city often serving as a crucial stepping stone to higher office.