António José Seguro, the former secretary general of the PS, is considering going ahead with his candidacy for the 2026 presidential elections.
Away from active politics for ten years, António José Seguro left the door open to the possibility of entering the race for Belém in an interview with CNN Portugal.
The current leader of the PS, Pedro Nuno Santos, put Seguro’s name in the list of possible candidates and the professor says that “everything is open” and he will now enter a process of reflection.
“At the moment, I am thinking about it because, naturally, after this news became public and the statement from the general secretary of the Socialist Party, some people are talking to me about this hypothesis”, Seguro confirmed to CNN Portugal.
“These are people I consider, they are people who are references in Portuguese society and I listen to their arguments. But the decision is mine and in conversation with my family”, emphasized the former general secretary of the PS.
And when will the decision regarding the candidacy for the President of the Republic be known? António José Seguro does not give a date.
“It is when I feel the conviction that I can serve my country and unite the Portuguese in a very difficult phase for the country and the world”, affirmed Seguro, who on the other hand rejects the possibility of returning to the life of the parties.
António Vitorino is another PS name highlighted as a possible candidate for the presidential elections. In an interview with the program Hora da Verdade, da Renascença and the newspaper Público, the former minister continued to encourage a possible candidacy for Belém.
Other names that have been highlighted as possible candidates are Admiral Gouveia e Melo and former PSD leader Marques Mendes.
How does Dr. Miriam Lopes assess the current political landscape in Portugal ahead of the presidential elections?
Interview: Time.news Editor with Political Expert
Editor: Good day, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Miriam Lopes, a political analyst and expert on Portuguese politics, to discuss the recent developments surrounding António José Seguro’s potential candidacy for the 2026 presidential elections. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Lopes.
Dr. Lopes: Thank you for having me. It’s an interesting time in Portuguese politics!
Editor: Indeed it is! António José Seguro, the former secretary-general of the Socialist Party (PS), is back in the spotlight after a decade away from active politics. What do you think prompted him to consider running again now?
Dr. Lopes: Well, the political landscape in Portugal has evolved significantly since he stepped back a decade ago. We’ve seen shifts in party dynamics, public sentiment, and pressing issues like economic recovery and climate change come to the forefront. Seguro may feel that he has something important to contribute at this juncture, especially with the social democratic values he championed during his tenure.
Editor: That’s a great point. He’s been away for quite some time. How do you think his absence will affect his chances in the election?
Dr. Lopes: That’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, being away could mean he’s somewhat out of touch with current voter concerns and party dynamics. However, his absence might also be viewed positively—he can present himself as a fresh alternative to the current political elite. His experience and the nostalgia for his leadership during challenging times could resonate with voters looking for stability.
Editor: Interesting perspective! Do you believe that the Socialist Party would support his candidacy, or could there be internal opposition?
Dr. Lopes: The party is likely to be divided. While some members may welcome his experienced leadership, others may prefer to push for newer faces that represent a younger generation of politicians. It’ll be a challenge for Seguro to navigate these internal dynamics, especially if he decides to run against candidates who are more in tune with current issues.
Editor: Speaking of current issues, what do you think are the major challenges Seguro would face if he enters the race?
Dr. Lopes: Several key issues come to mind. First, he’ll have to address economic concerns—how to recover and grow the economy post-pandemic. Second, issues like healthcare, housing, and climate change are paramount for voters today. Furthermore, he must also engage with the growing discourse on social justice, particularly around immigration and equity.
Editor: Would you say that these challenges could deter him from officially declaring his candidacy?
Dr. Lopes: That’s possible. The pressures of modern campaigning—especially on complex issues—can be daunting. He may weigh the benefits of running against the personal and political risks involved, and this calculation could lead him to stay on the sidelines if he feels unprepared to tackle these challenges effectively.
Editor: Thank you for sharing those insights, Dr. Lopes. If António José Seguro does decide to run, do you envision a competitive election process ahead?
Dr. Lopes: Absolutely! The upcoming presidential elections are shaping up to be very competitive. If Seguro runs, he will likely face a mix of old and new candidates, each bringing their own vision for Portugal’s future. This could lead to an engaging debate that brings a lot of critical issues to the forefront.
Editor: It certainly sounds like there’s a lot to look forward to. Thank you, Dr. Lopes, for your valuable insights into António José Seguro’s potential candidacy and the implications for the upcoming elections. We appreciate your time!
Dr. Lopes: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing these crucial developments.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in to Time.news. We’ll keep you updated as the political landscape evolves.