President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa made an unexpected appearance at the PSD Summer University, a training initiative for young professionals running until Sunday in Castelo de Vide (Portalegre). Although initially slated to speak via videoconference, the President attended the event in person.
During a panel titled “The President’s Answers,” Rebelo de Sousa was asked about the successes and shortcomings of his terms since being elected in 2016. He noted that he got “many things right” but also made mistakes.
Reflecting on his successes, the President stated he endeavored to “do the impossible” to ensure political stability, despite dissolving the Assembly of the Republic three times in his second term.
“That was what went best even when it didn’t go well, because it didn’t necessarily result in ten-year governing solutions,” he said. He highlighted his interactions with PS governments for over eight years and anticipated another PSD-led solution, albeit for less than two years, until the end of his term.
Rebelo de Sousa expressed satisfaction that in the elections following these dissolutions, the people consistently validated the President’s decisions through their votes.
On the downside, he mentioned issues like the renewal capacity of the political system, public administration, or the public’s disconnection from politicians, noting that these responsibilities were shared with “other sovereign bodies.”
“Let’s say that what I thought and dreamed of at certain moments was indeed not achievable,” he admitted, considering this more pronounced in his second term.
The President reiterated his initial intent to serve only one term but felt compelled to run again in 2021 during “the worst phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“No one would understand the departure of the responsible leader. But when I stayed, I was certain that what followed would accumulate system wear and tear,” he maintained.
