Impressions on the Portuguese Campaign Exchange (Andreea, Oana & Mirela)

Between 1-8 October in the Program Campain Exchange, PES Activists Romania took part in the election campaign for local elections in Portugal, namely in Lisbon. This time Romania was represented by the 3 activists - Mirela - PES Activists Tulcea, Oana - PES Activists Galati and Andreea - PES Activists Buzau.

The Mayor of Lisbon, Antonio Costa, himself waited and integrated us in the PES group taking contact with the campaign fever.

The first two days passed in a fast pace, the campaign became increasingly attractive. As activists we were received in all districts by candidates with joy and lots of attention.

PES leader of Portugal Jose Reis Santos was especially concerned that we, activists, take contact with all that it means to be a candidate, campaign leaders and campaign staff.

Saturday, October 3, was one of the most beautiful experiences in this campaign: I was in the district Odivelas for support of Mrs. Susana Amador, a person full of life, warm and modest. The evening ended with a dinner at a cultural center in Lisbon, where we all celebrated the Republic of Portugal National Day.

The organizers made sure that after a day's work and we have some moments of relaxation, going with us at a live music concert (something normal in Lisbon), a photographic art exhibition and talks on political issues.

Besides election-related madness, campaign, candidates and activists, Jose Reis Santos found time to show us the tourist hotspots of Lisbon. It’s beautiful! There are no words to describe the beauty of the city!

For the last day in the city where time is absolute, we spent it on the road, saying goodbye to each candidate and hoping that our contribution will be a worthy account in winning elections.

Our work was not simple, but unique electoral actions and teamwork have made the current policy around the world not to be so difficult and the results were the measure efforts made. The Socialist Party again crushed its opponents, this time at the local elections!

Finally we can say that Lisbon has changed us all: I realized that time has no definition!