With almost a decade of experience as a Political Advisor in the Italian Senate and the Lombardy Regional Assembly, in addition to having been President of an Italian public company, Funassi brings with him a political and administrative background that makes him suitable for the position. Furthermore, his work as a Substitute Deputy for the Albufeira Municipal Assembly already brought him closer to the local political scene.
When asked about his appointment, Funassi expressed his satisfaction and highlighted the convergence of ideals between him and ADN. “ADN wants the same thing as me, that is, a more developed, safe, supportive, democratic, united, integrated, economically free and sovereign Portugal, Algarve and Albufeira”, stated the new coordinator.
Paolo Funassi also emphasized the importance of integrating foreigners in a legal and respectful manner, highlighting that this has always been his main concern when proposing actions to promote the inclusion of foreign communities, he sees in ADN a party with strong principles and humanist values, which makes it the ideal home for all foreigners who wish to integrate with love and respect for Portugal.
With his rise to the position of coordinator of the Municipality of Albufeira by ADN, Paolo Funassi now faces the challenge of leading the party locally and promoting his ideas and proposals for a better Portugal and Albufeira, which will certainly bring new dynamism to local politics.
Paolo Funassi came to Á Voz do Algarve, to make his objectives known.
A Voz do Algarve – Could you share with us how your involvement evolved from the creation of a group dedicated to the progress and support of foreign residents to your joining the party as coordinator of the Albufeira municipality?
Paolo Funassi – I realized that, in Portugal, the quickest, most practical and effective way to help people is to be within the political decision-making centers. After all, as the saying goes, “if you don’t take care of politics, politics takes care of you”. So, I decided to take that step and get directly involved in local politics. I firmly believe that we can make a difference by working within the political system.
As for my evolution from the creation of the group of foreigners to my joining the party as coordinator of the Albufeira council, it was a journey marked by a constant desire to promote positive changes and represent the different communities of Albufeira in a more effective way. We are determined to bring communities that have never truly felt part of the city to the polls, encouraging their active participation in the political process. This change is scheduled for 2025. Foreigners are an important part of Albufeira, and I want to highlight that ADN is also the home of all foreigners who come for good and love Portugal. This is the message I intend to spread across all 90 foreign communities present in Albufeira.
-VA – Was it any surprise that many saw your appointment by a political party?
-FEDERAL POLICE – First of all, thank you very much for this opportunity to address the readers. In fact, I don’t consider it a surprise. With almost a decade of experience as a Political Advisor in the Italian Senate and the Lombardy Regional Assembly, in addition to having been President of an Italian public company, my connection with politics is deep and deep-rooted. Here in Albufeira, I was already involved as a Substitute Deputy for the Municipal Assembly. Therefore, I can say that politics is in my blood and in my DNA.
-VA – How did the invitation and your appointment as coordinator of the Albufeira Municipality by the National Democratic Alternative party come about?
-FEDERAL POLICE – Well, DNA shares the same ideals as me. They also seek a more developed, safe, supportive and democratic Portugal, Algarve and Albufeira. Your ideas and values are aligned with mine especially when it comes to integration with respect to foreigners.
-VA – What are your plans for Albufeira as coordinator of the Council?
-FEDERAL POLICE – I intend to start attracting more people to the party, promoting meetings and events. Furthermore, I have plans to help with the European elections and, later on, present a robust project to win the local elections in 2025. I believe we can bring a positive and necessary change to Albufeira.
-VA – In addition to the development and integration of foreign communities, what are your main concerns and objectives in relation to immigration in Portugal?
-FEDERAL POLICE – For us, foreigners who choose Portugal as our home and deeply respect its culture, the issue of immigration is extremely important. I have always defended legal, orderly immigration that fully respects Portuguese laws. This concern has been central to my proposals to promote the integration of all foreigners into Portuguese society. ADN, as a party with solid, humanist principles and values that defends legality, is seen by me as the ideal home for all foreigners who wish to integrate with love and respect for Portugal.
-VA – He seems very expectant and excited about his new position. What do you have to say about this?
-FEDERAL POLICE – Yes, I am really very happy and excited about this opportunity. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Bruno Fialho, President of ADN, and especially to the ADN Algarve district team, represented by incredible people such as João Teixeira, Manuela Campos and Anabela Morais. They can be sure that I am committed to working hard to give ADN more visibility, strengthen the party and secure more votes. I am determined to contribute to the success of ADN in Albufeira and throughout the Algarve.
-VA – He has been very active in the media in recent months, giving more interviews than any other Albufeirense politician. How do you explain this increase in visibility?
-FEDERAL POLICE – In fact, I have tried to be present in the media, both national and international, to publicize my work for the benefit of all residents of Albufeira, without exception. I firmly believe in the importance of representing and giving a voice to all people, as the Pope says, “everyone, everyone, everyone”, without distinction. The positive response I have received on social media, with a large number of followers and views on my publications, is a clear sign that people are interested in what I am building in Albufeira and the Algarve. This motivates me even more to continue working tirelessly for the community.
-VA – You mentioned your work in Albufeira, where you live. What are your projects and dreams now that you are involved with ADN?
-FEDERAL POLICE – At the moment, I’m focused on attracting more people to join the party. I have already started meetings with several individuals to discuss ideas and possible collaborations. Furthermore, as politics never rests, I intend to contribute to ADN in the European elections, seeking to represent Albufeira’s interests within the party. However, my main and concrete objective is to present a solid and viable project for a new Albufeira, aiming to win the local elections in 2025. I am determined to work tirelessly to make this dream a reality.
-VA – You mentioned the possibility of winning the local elections in 2025. Considering the current political scenario in Albufeira, do you think it is really possible to achieve this objective?
-FEDERAL POLICE – I understand that politics in Albufeira has been apathetic and distant from people. The success of the Chega party in the last elections is a clear reflection of the desire for change in the region. I believe that the National Democratic Alternative (ADN) will represent this change in 2025. We intend to present several proposals and form a strong team to achieve this objective. Furthermore, popularity and votes play a crucial role in this process. Modestly, I must say that I am a well-known figure in Albufeira, especially considering that almost half the population is foreign, and it is in these communities that I have a solid base of support and popularity. Therefore, yes, I firmly believe in the possibility of winning the local elections in 2025.
-VA – It is true that many foreign communities also participate in local elections. How do you intend to involve and mobilize these communities to actively participate in the political process in Albufeira?
-FEDERAL POLICE – Exactly, many foreign communities have the right to vote in local elections, but have historically participated in low numbers due to a lack of real inclusion. However, in Albufeira, there are almost 5 thousand foreign residents who also have Portuguese nationality, in addition to around 20 thousand additional foreign residents. With just 5 thousand votes, the City Council can be won, considering the high abstention rate. We are determined to change this scenario in 2025, seeking to involve and encourage the participation of foreign communities who have never truly felt part of the city. Through awareness and inclusion initiatives, we hope to transform these communities into active voters who are aware of their role in building a better Albufeira.
-VA – Some people may consider your goals a bit optimistic…
-FEDERAL POLICE – It’s true that my goals may seem ambitious to some, but I prefer to see them as a challenge to be overcome. I am a fighter by nature and I never gave up, even in the face of adversity, offenses and threats that I have faced along the way. I believe that with dedication, hard work and community support, we can achieve positive results and promote significant changes in Albufeira. Optimism is essential to maintain focus and determination and I am committed to moving forward, regardless of the obstacles that may arise.
-VA – You mentioned that the local elections are still far away, but you have already mentioned the European ones that ocarrive in June. Are you interested in applying?
-FEDERAL POLICE – I prefer not to talk about myself in this aspect, but I believe it would be an excellent decision if ADN chose to apply for a well-integrated foreigner who loves Portugal. This would be a very positive sign for both the party and society in general.
-VA – To conclude, is there any final message you would like to leave with your voters?
-FEDERAL POLICE – Certainly. I want to assure all voters that, with me, an honest, serious and tireless policy will always be promoted in favor of all Portuguese and foreigners who love Portugal. I firmly believe that, together, we are stronger and that ADN is the right party to promote positive changes both in Portugal and in Albufeira. I count on the support of all of you on this journey towards a better future for our community.
By: Nathalie Dias
Tags: Founder Foreigners Group Algarve appointed coordinator ADN party Albufeira
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