Lisbon City Council member Bruno Mascarenhas is facing calls to resign following revelations about his partner’s alleged involvement in renting substandard housing to immigrants. The controversy, which erupted after a report by Portuguese broadcaster RTP, has prompted a fellow member of the Chega party, Rita Matias, to demand his removal.
Matias publicly called for Mascarenhas to step down, stating that if he “wants to do the Chega party a favor, he should resign as a council member.” She also suggested he should not remain on the council as an independent, but rather “pass the position” to someone who truly represents the party’s interests.
The situation centers on Mafalda Livermore, Mascarenhas’s partner, who was recently removed from her position with the Lisbon City Council’s social services department. The dismissal followed the RTP report detailing allegations that Livermore owned properties rented to immigrants in unacceptable conditions, without proper documentation.
According to the report, Livermore also presented herself as a legal professional offering advice despite not being accredited to practice law, leading to complaints from clients who claim to have paid for services never rendered. She is currently under investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office and facing complaints with the Portuguese Bar Association.
Matias characterized the situation involving Livermore as “absolutely reprehensible” and “embarrassing for the party,” emphasizing the necessitate for accountability. The case highlights internal divisions within the Chega party, a right-wing political force in Portugal.
Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas stated that he acted immediately upon learning of the allegations, emphasizing a commitment to institutional trust. Chega party leader André Ventura claimed Livermore requested her own dismissal, asserting that the allegations are false.
The controversy extends beyond the housing allegations. Reports indicate that Livermore’s relationship with Mascarenhas was a factor in her initial appointment to the social services position, causing friction with another Chega council member, Ana Simões Silva, who later became an independent.
