According to SIC Notícias, the 19 MPs say they are disappointed with the party's lack of action, after two MPs enabled the approval of the Portimão municipal budget, in a municipality led by the Socialist Party (PS).

MPs João Graça, Ester Coelho and Pedro Xavier represent the Chega party on the Portimão City Council, and it would have been expected that they would vote against the PS budget. However, Pedro Xavier abstained, and Ester Coelho voted in favour of the budget.

In statements to SIC Notícias, Ester Coelho states that the vote in favour of the budget was related to the "analysis and justification of the documentation submitted." The MP also states that she communicated her decision to the national municipal committee.

Pedro Xavier clarified to the same media outlet that he shares Ester Coelho's line of thinking, despite having abstained from the vote.

According to SIC, a letter was sent to the National Directorate and the Municipal Commission, giving them 15 days to take a political stance regarding Ester Coelho and Pedro Xavier. The letter was sent on 1 March.

As the deadline was not met, the 19 mayors expressed their disappointment and signed a letter of resignation from their mandates.