17 March 2023 – The GPM is proud to welcome Mayor Jose Manuel Ribeiro of Valongo (Portugal) as newest member of the GPM. Mayor Ribeiro is a senior member of the Portuguese Trade and Investment Agency. He is also, among others, a Member of the European Committee of the Regions; President of LIPOR – Municipalities Association for Sustainable Waste Management of Greater Porto; President of the Portuguese Network of Participatory Municipalities; Member of the General Council of the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities; Policy Advisor of the United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG). He was also a Deputy in the Assembly of the Portuguese Republic representing the Portuguese Socialist Party (PS).
José Manuel Ribeiro is a strong advocate of active citizenship and democratic values. Committed to building a plural society in which all citizens take part in the creation of solutions for the problems that affect their lives and the communities in which they live.
With approximately 100 thousand inhabitants, Valongo has a strategic location in the Porto metropolitan area and a rich and diversified identity, with unique territorial marks which affirm and distinguish the municipality within the region.
Those who visit Valongo can enjoy a rich and diversified heritage, where the secular tradition of Biscoito and Regueifa (traditional biscuits and bread), the art of Traditional Portuguese Toys, the spectacular tradition of Bugiadas and Mouriscadas (a unique masked festival), the richness of Slate our black stone, the Sanctuary of Santa Rita, and the heritage of the railway workers can also be highlighted.
Valongo strategically moves towards the construction of a qualified, balanced and catalyst territory, and bases its action on the enhancement of people, territorial competitiveness, environmental sustainability, quality, efficiency, transparency and citizen participation.