The Algarve’s socialists will be putting up a candidate for the region’s top tourism job, challenging Desidério Silva who has held the position for the last five-and-a-half years and seeks to stay in office.
The news was confirmed by the PS federation in the Algarve. Luís Graça, who leads the federation, told Barlavento newspaper that there are plans to meet with the Algarve’s 10 socialist mayors to come up with a candidate as soon as possible, as the elections will take place on Friday, May 11.
Some people have already been suggested as possible candidates, such as former tourism boss Paulo Neves, current vice-president at the tourism board João Fernandes and MP Fernando Anastácio, but Graça says nothing has been decided yet.
The president of the Algarve tourism board is chosen through an electoral college. There are 33 votes up for grabs – 16 from local councils, 14 from the region’s business associations, two from the CGTP and UGT unions and one from the regional development commission CCDR.
Desidério Silva, a former mayor of Albufeira backed by PSD, believes he has a strong chance of being reelected, having announced his bid last month.
In a statement announcing his candidature for the 2018-2023 mandate, Silva said he has helped “establish the Algarve’s position as the main tourism destination in Portugal” during his five-year tenure (click here).
