CIM presidents take office with the mission of uniting and developing the region
The Alentejo has new helmsmen. Joaquim Diogo, Carlos Zorrinho, Clarisse Campos and António José Brito are the newly elected presidents of the four Intermunicipal Communities (CIM) of Alentejo – Alto Alentejo, Alentejo Central, Alentejo Litoral and Baixo Alentejo, respectively. With them, a new cycle of regional leadership begins, where cohesion, the fight against desertification and sustainable economic development are the main goals.
A new chapter for the territory
With different geographies and realities, these four CIM cover dozens of municipalities that, together, represent the backbone of the Alentejo. Each president now carries the responsibility of moving his territory forward, at a time when the country is discussing the future of regionalization, the European funds of the RRP and the reorganization of public services.
“We will work for a more ambitious, stronger Baixo Alentejo with a future”, said António José Brito, mayor of Castro Verde, upon assuming the presidency of CIMBAL. His election was unanimous, reflecting the support of the 13 municipalities that make up this structure.
In Alto Alentejo, Joaquim Diogo, mayor of Crato, took office as the new leader of CIMAA. He succeeds Hugo Hilário and committed himself to “collaborative work, respectful of differences and focused on the interests of the populations”.
In Central Alentejo, the presidency of CIMAC is now in charge of Carlos Zorrinho, a well-known figure in national and European politics, who promises to put his experience at the service of valuing endogenous resources and human capital in the region.
Clarisse Campos, in turn, takes over the leadership of CIMAL (Alentejo Litoral) with an approach that crosses the coast and the interior, in a region marked by growing demographic pressure and the importance of the energy transition. The mayor of Grândola is committed to cohesion and sustainability as pillars of her management.
The challenges that unite them
Despite the differences between the territories, the challenges are common:
- Human desertification and the urgent need to attract and retain young populations.
- Economic dynamism and the creation of qualified employment.
- Improving accessibility, transport networks and digital connectivity.
- The enhancement of natural and cultural heritage, as a driver of sustainable tourism.
- And, above all, the good management of European funds, which represent a historic opportunity to transform the Alentejo into a more competitive, inclusive and resilient territory.
A future that is built on a network
The four presidents now elected will have to work in conjunction with the Government, CCDR, municipalities, companies and higher education institutions to ensure an integrated strategy. The logic of network and inter-municipality will be essential to unlock structuring projects and promote territorial cohesion.
The Alentejo is not just a dot on the map — it is an idea of the future that feeds on memory and hope. With these four leaders at the helm, the region renews its ambitions and reinforces the will to grow with identity, sustainability and social justice.
