Coimbra council ordered to reinstate Convento São Francisco programmer competition

Portugal's Tribunal Administrativo e Fiscal (TAF) of Coimbra ruled that the municipal council, led by Mayor Ana Abrunhosa, must reverse its March cancellation of the public contest for the programmer position at Convento São Francisco and resume the process where it left off. The contest had been cancelled after storm Kristin, with the municipality citing an inability to fund a €36,000‑per‑year contract over three years. The court noted that the municipality’s justification lacked concrete evidence of financial hardship or storm‑related damage. The judge had already recommended Mickael de Oliveira for the role. The TAF gave the municipality a 20‑day deadline after the judgment to restore the competition and proceed to contract award.

The decision underscores the requirement for detailed factual support when invoking public‑contracting provisions and may affect future municipal procurement practices in Portugal.