Chega Party Scandal: Hidden Property Empire & Investigation in Portugal

Lisbon City Council Member Faces Scrutiny Over Alleged Clandestine Housing Empire

Lisbon is facing a political controversy as Mafalda Livermore, a city council member affiliated with the Chega party, is under investigation regarding a suspected clandestine housing operation. The allegations, revealed this Friday by RTP, center on Livermore’s alleged rental of multiple slight properties, raising questions about her conduct as a public official. The situation has quickly become a focal point of debate within the Lisbon City Council and across Portuguese politics.

The Allegations: A Network of Small Rentals

According to reports, Mafalda Livermore, who serves as a member of the administration board of Lisbon’s Social Services, is suspected of renting out several properties characterized by their small size. Details were not provided regarding the exact number of properties or the scale of the alleged operation. The investigation was launched following a report by RTP, which brought the allegations to light. The core of the issue revolves around whether these rentals were conducted legally and ethically, given Livermore’s position within the city council.

Who is Mafalda Livermore?

Mafalda Livermore, as well known as Mafalda Guerra, was appointed to her position within the Lisbon City Council in December 2025 by Mayor Carlos Moedas. Prior to her appointment, she was a candidate for the Chega party in the Alcântara parish elections. SIC Notícias reported that Mayor Moedas justified the appointment based solely on Livermore’s “competence,” dismissing any concerns about potential political affiliations. Livermore presents herself professionally as a criminologist specializing in domestic violence and sexual abuse cases, offering legal advice and forensic investigation services. She also maintains an active presence on Instagram, where she openly expresses her political views and support for the Chega party.

Carlos Moedas’s Rationale and Chega’s Response

Mayor Carlos Moedas has defended his decision to appoint Livermore, emphasizing that her qualifications were the sole determining factor. He stated that “eventual questions of a partisan or political nature” held no relevance in his decision-making process. Bruno Mascarenhas, a Chega councilor in Lisbon, responded to the appointment by stating that it demonstrated a breakdown of previous barriers and signaled a new level of acceptance for the Chega party within the city council. This suggests a strategic shift in the political landscape of Lisbon, with the Chega party gaining increased influence.

Confirmed vs. Unclear: Separating Fact from Allegation

Confirmed: Mafalda Livermore is a member of the administration board of Lisbon’s Social Services, appointed in December 2025 by Mayor Carlos Moedas. She is a member of the Chega party and was previously a candidate for the party in local elections. She presents herself as a criminologist and offers related professional services.

Unclear: The exact number of properties involved in the alleged clandestine housing operation remains unclear. The specifics of the rental arrangements, including rental rates and lease terms, have not been publicly disclosed. The legal status of the properties and whether they meet all required housing standards is currently under investigation. The full extent of Livermore’s involvement and potential financial gain from the alleged operation is also yet to be determined.

The Investigation and Potential Consequences

The allegations against Livermore are currently under investigation. WN.com reports that RTP initiated the investigation, which is now likely to involve scrutiny of property records, rental agreements and financial transactions. Potential consequences for Livermore, if the allegations are substantiated, could range from disciplinary action within the city council to legal prosecution. The outcome of the investigation will likely have significant implications for her political career and the reputation of the Lisbon City Council.

What Happens Next?

The immediate next step is the continuation of the investigation initiated by RTP. It remains unclear whether additional investigations will be launched by other authorities. Depending on the findings of the investigation, the Lisbon City Council may convene a disciplinary hearing to address the allegations against Livermore. The Chega party will likely monitor the situation closely and may offer support to Livermore, while opposition parties are expected to demand transparency and accountability. The case is likely to remain a prominent topic of discussion in Portuguese politics for the foreseeable future.

The unfolding situation highlights the importance of ethical conduct and transparency within public office. As the investigation progresses, further details are expected to emerge, shedding more light on the allegations and their potential impact on the political landscape of Lisbon.