The candidate, representing the PSD, has been serving the community in Loulé for "almost three decades," having served in both the Loulé City Council and Águas do Algarve. He told The Portugal News that this experience taught him that "technical rigor must always go hand in hand with a sense of social responsibility."

Silvério Guerreiro has been involved with institutions such as the Santa Casa da Misericórdia, the Casa da Primeira Infância, and the Rotary Club of Loulé, which he presided over twice. He was also the Faro District Delegate of the Order of Engineers and served on the General Councils of the Engº Duarte Pacheco Elementary School and the Loulé Secondary School, where he also taught. He is currently a member of the Advisory Board of the University of Algarve's Higher Institute of Engineering. As he describes, all these experiences have taught him that "serving the community is much more than just practicing a profession: it is about being available, close, and supportive of others."

The Portugal News (TPN): What can your professional experience bring if you are elected president of the municipal assembly?

Silvério Guerreiro (SG): This experience has taught me the importance of rigor, planning, and teamwork. I know that great projects only come to fruition through dialogue and a vision for the future. As president of the Municipal Assembly, I want to bring this spirit of responsibility and collective development, ensuring that every decision is made seriously and with closeness to the people.

TPN: Why did you decide to run for president of the Loulé Municipal Assembly?

SG: I am running because of a sense of civic duty and the affection that binds me to this land where I grew up and have lived for over 50 years, the place of origin and history of my family, and where I feel rooted. I feel that I can contribute favourably to the development and progress of this municipality, with my experience and dedication. I want to contribute to ensuring that the City Council is a space for respectful dialogue, positive, virtuous, and constructive policy, and responsible planning for the municipality's future.

TPN: How would you describe the foreign community residing in Loulé?

SG: Loulé is an open and diverse municipality. A properly integrated foreign community fosters contact with diversity and cultural tolerance, a highly relevant contribution to innovation and the strengthening of the local economy and the enrichment of social life, and should be part of the municipality's identity.

TPN: How important are these citizens to the municipality?

SG: They are absolutely essential. Many foreigners have chosen Loulé not just as a temporary destination, but as their home. They contribute to the local economy, create businesses, generate jobs, and boost sectors such as commerce, restaurants, culture, and tourism. They also bring enormous cultural wealth, with new knowledge, traditions, and ways of being that broaden horizons and make us a more open and diverse community. Furthermore, they help combat depopulation in some inland parishes by choosing to live and invest in these areas. Many participate and collaborate in local social solidarity activities and associations. In short, they are an integral part of our identity, and without them, our municipality would not be as dynamic, inclusive, and diverse as we know it today.

TPN: Do you believe that the participation of these citizens in electoral events, such as local elections, is important? Why?

SG: Yes, it is essential. Because democracy is only strong if everyone participates. Those who live, work, and contribute to the community here must also have an active voice in the decisions that shape the municipality's future.


TPN: As president of the Municipal Assembly, what could you do to better integrate the foreign population into the municipality?

SG: Integration is achieved through accessible information, open channels of dialogue, and mutual respect. I will promote information sessions, encourage civic participation, and work to ensure that the Assembly is a space where everyone feels represented, regardless of their background.

TPN: Overall, what does your candidacy intend to bring to the municipality of Loulé?

SG: I want to bring a new way of being to local politics: proximity, respect for debate, and appreciation for citizen participation. Our program has strong proposals for the future of Loulé: housing, mobility, culture, education, the environment, among others, but what I want is to ensure that all of this is debated seriously and with collective commitment.

TPN: How could you promote sustainable development in the municipality?

SG: Sustainable development requires planning, balance, and responsibility. Loulé must grow while respecting the environment, valuing its heritage, and ensuring quality of life for future generations. This involves affordable housing, sustainable mobility, clean energy, and an innovative and inclusive economy, ensuring social cohesion, effectiveness, and efficiency in the management of available resources.

TPN: What would you urge foreign citizens to vote in the October 12th elections?

SG: I would say that your vote is important and makes a difference. Participating in the elections means accepting that you are part of the community and that you want to contribute to Loulé's future. The more diverse the participation, the stronger local democracy will be.

TPN: Personally, what can you bring to the municipality of Loulé?

SG: I just want to reinforce my stance of seriousness and commitment, with pragmatism, but also humanism. I am here to serve and to build solutions together. I also bring with me a message of ambition and hope for the future. I believe that, with dialogue, planning, respect and appreciation for everyone, we can truly Do Better for Loulé.

Author

Currently, the Deputy Editor at The Portugal News, Bruno G. Santos, is really interested in national politics. With a degree in Journalism and Communication, he also loves to write about different topics like Portuguese culture, society and other current affairs. Press card: 8463. 

Bruno G. Santos