Admiral Henrique Gouveia e Melo will not be reappointed as Chief of Staff of the Navy, which means that he will be free, if he wishes, to run as president of the Republic. According to what the Observer found from a source familiar with the process, Gouveia e Melo “certainly” informed Nuno Melo, the Minister of Defence, that he was not available to continue in office — Melo even told Luís Montenegro.
Speaking to the Observer, Gouveia e Melo refused to comment specifically on this information and sent any official response to the Government. “The Government will be able to confirm this information or not. It has already been treated some time ago with the Government”, the admiral limited himself to say, before leaving one more certainty: “There were people who said that I was negotiating my place. No negotiation my place.”
Gouveia e Melo was referring to the news reported by Expresso that he would agree to stay at the head of the Navy for another two years in exchange for investing in more. two submarines — a condition which he himself would deny, loudly, violently.
The Observer tried to confirm that Gouveia e Melo would not be reappointed to the Ministry of Defense, but did not receive a response one way or the other. The admiral is one month from completing his two-year term as commander of the Naval General Staff. When he leaves office, which will formally happen on December 27, he will have all the conditions to, if he wishes, enter the dispute for succession by Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa – ambition a ever to be completely dismissed, which fosters follow-up research and calms the air of the times on the right.
The admiral has been maintaining the taboo about his supposed presidential ambitions for years, although there are those who guarantee that everything is settled: that Gouveia and Melo have already made their decision and they really want to go ahead to those of Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. . The fact that he indicated that he was not willing to continue in the job for another two years may indicate that he is really determined advance.
As explained here the Observer, to Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, reappointed Gouveia e Melo as Chief of Naval Staff most logical solution. The President of the Republic recognized the ability of the Admiral to remain in office, the difficulty of replacing him, the great weight he had and still has in the Navy and the good relationship he had with the Minister of Defence. But Gouveia e Melo was not content to stay in office for another two years.
Once the departure of Gouveia and Melo is confirmed, the replacement process will be long. In the event of a dismissal or vacancy in the position of Chief of Naval Staff, the Admiralty Council is responsible for submitting to the Council of Chiefs of Staff, through the interim Chief of Staff, the names of vice-admirals who meet the legal conditions. to be appointed to that position.
It is then that the Government resumes the initiative to recommend the Chiefs of Staff of the three branches (Army, Navy and Air Force) to the President of the Republic. It will then be up to Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa to make the final decision whether or not the figures shown by the Prime Minister will be appointed — as happens, for example, with the position of Attorney General of the Republic.
Belém sees the reappointment of Gouveia e Melo as the “most logical solution”
What are Admiral Henrique Gouveia e Melo’s potential campaign strategies if he decides to run for president?
Interview: The Future of Admiral Henrique Gouveia e Melo
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we dive into the pressing topics of our time. Today, we have an expert on political affairs, Dr. Sofia Ribeiro, to discuss the recent developments surrounding Admiral Henrique Gouveia e Melo and the potential impact on Portuguese politics. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Ribeiro.
Dr. Ribeiro: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to discuss this intriguing situation.
Editor: To kick things off, can you explain the significance of Gouveia e Melo not seeking reappointment as Chief of Staff of the Navy?
Dr. Ribeiro: Absolutely. Gouveia e Melo’s decision indicates a strategic move away from his military career towards a potential political future. His role as Chief of Staff held considerable influence, but by stepping down, he opens himself up for the presidency, which suggests a serious ambition to contest for higher office. This is significant in a political landscape that could soon be searching for new leadership.
Editor: There have been whispers regarding his presidential ambitions for some time now. How substantial is this speculation?
Dr. Ribeiro: The speculation has been lingering for years, though Gouveia e Melo has maintained a level of ambiguity around it. However, refusing to continue in his naval role could be a sign that he feels now is the right time to pursue a presidential run. Additionally, the sources indicating that he “certainly” communicated his decision to the Minister of Defence lend credibility to the notion that he is preparing a shift in his career.
Editor: He’s been vocal about not negotiating for his position, despite rumors to the contrary. What does this tell us about his character or strategy?
Dr. Ribeiro: This is quite telling. It indicates that Gouveia e Melo values integrity and transparency, especially in such a sensitive arena as defence and military leadership. By publicly denying any negotiations for upgrades to his position, he is working to maintain his reputation as a straightforward leader. This could resonate well with voters, especially during a time when political honesty is highly prized.
Editor: It seems there’s a certain expectation that Gouveia e Melo might run against incumbent President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. How do you see this political rivalry shaping up?
Dr. Ribeiro: Should he decide to run, it would create a significant dynamic in the race. Gouveia e Melo is well-respected within military circles and has a reputation for decisiveness and leadership, which could appeal to a broad electorate. On the other hand, Rebelo de Sousa has a solid base of support, so it would be a compelling contest. If Gouveia e Melo capitalizes on his naval accomplishments and positions himself as a candidate of change, he could effectively challenge the president’s tenure.
Editor: What does Gouveia e Melo’s decision mean for the broader political landscape in Portugal?
Dr. Ribeiro: His departure from a military role signals a potential shift toward a new generation of leadership. Many in the right may view him as a unifying figure who brings a fresh perspective. This could catalyze more significant political shifts, especially if he mobilizes support from youth and moderates dissatisfied with the current administration. His candidacy could reshape the discourse, urging a reevaluation of leadership styles and policy priorities.
Editor: As we look ahead, what should we monitor in the coming weeks leading up to Gouveia e Melo’s formal exit on December 27?
Dr. Ribeiro: Keep an eye on his public statements and any alliances he may form. The political landscape is often influenced by timing and perception. Additionally, watch how other potential candidates react to his moves. The positioning will reveal much about the evolving dynamics within right-leaning politics in Portugal. If he does announce a campaign, it will certainly stir discussions and strategies among the political spectrum.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ribeiro. Your insights shed invaluable light on the unfolding situation. It will certainly be interesting to see how this develops in the lead-up to December and beyond.
Dr. Ribeiro: Thank you for having me. It’s a pivotal time in Portuguese politics, and I look forward to discussing these developments with you in the future.