The Algarve boroughs of Olhão and Portimão are two of just 27 in Portugal that have never changed their political colours since Portugal’s Carnation Revolution.
Since the very first local elections in 1976, these two Algarve municipalities have stayed loyal to the Socialist Party (PS), making them some of the longest-standing political strongholds in the country.
According to data compiled by Lusa news agency ahead of the October 2025 local elections, the Social Democrats (PSD) hold the record with 12 municipalities that have never switched parties, while PS has nine and the Communists (PCP) control six.
Portugal’s next municipal elections are scheduled for October 12, a date which will clarify whether these towns will branch out or remain loyal to the same parties, especially in Portimão and Olhão, where far right party Chega dominated in the recent legislative elections.
