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A key contender in the Portuguese presidential election, Gouveia e Melo, has launched a pointed critique of his rival, António José Seguro, questioning his leadership capabilities and drawing attention to internal strife within the Socialist Party (PS). The challenge came after a campaign event in Coimbra.
The remarks, made on Monday, center on Seguro’s previous inability to maintain control of the PS, ultimately leading to his replacement by António Costa, who subsequently held office for an extended period. This historical context, according to Gouveia e Melo, casts doubt on the current show of unity surrounding Seguro’s presidential bid.
Devaluing Support and Emphasizing Independence
The challenge began when journalists pressed Gouveia e Melo on the support offered to Seguro by former socialist general secretary Pedro Nuno Santos. The candidate responded by attempting to minimize the significance of Santos’ endorsement, asserting that he also enjoys backing from within the PS. “I have many socialists supporting me in the race for Belém, because they believe in an independent project for the Presidency of the Republic,” he stated.
Gouveia e Melo positioned his campaign as one focused on a non-partisan approach to the presidency. “The people who support me believe that the Presidency of the Republic is not a partisan place where partisan logics are discussed,” he explained. He further argued that electing a president should prioritize individual qualities and character over strict party allegiance, stating, “Party loyalty…doesn’t seem to make sense to me.”
Questioning Seguro’s Political Acumen
The core of Gouveia e Melo’s argument rests on a perceived lack of decisive leadership from Seguro during his time at the helm of the PS. “The socialist candidate had a very serious confrontation that basically divided the PS – and he was unable to even control the PS,” a senior official stated, relaying Gouveia e Melo’s assessment.
This perceived weakness, he contends, makes the current “unity” within the PS around Seguro’s candidacy appear “strange” and driven by purely partisan motives. “What is at stake here is only a partisan logic. What is at stake here is an unnatural union that is being created solely by partisan logic,” he declared.
Gouveia e Melo’s strategy appears to be a direct appeal to voters seeking a president who will operate above the fray of party politics, emphasizing the importance of independent judgment and strong leadership – qualities he implicitly suggests are lacking in his opponent. He concluded by reiterating his opposition to “the partisan logic in choosing a President of the Republic.”
