The presidential candidates list once lacked inspiration, with voters seeing only gray, past, fatigue, and a lack of imagination, leaving them without a choice. Now, however, they do have one, declared Cotrim de Figueiredo, garnering applause from the audience during the Liberal Initiative (IL) National Autarchic Meeting held in Estoril, Cascais.
“I am running because for those who are dissatisfied with the status quo in Portugal, who refuse to surrender to conformity, who innovate and work, who do not wait for the State to move forward, who seek to broaden the potential of this country, all of them had no one to vote for,” stated João Cotrim de Figueiredo, addressing the party members he once led.
“This candidacy extends far beyond” his “lifetime party” and is “much more encompassing,” explained the candidate, revealing that he has already received significant support from leaders, former leaders, and even founders of the PSD, PS, Chega, and CDS, which will be announced after the local elections on October 12.
This is an example of “how easily a contemporary and open candidacy can broaden its support” and it is “quite possible to have a significant impact eroding the 60%” of voters who had already decided their vote.
“I will be a President who knows how to act, a President who inspires and motivates, not one who merely comments or seeks control. I will be a President who believes much more in people than in the State, which often only hinders,” added Cotrim de Figueiredo, who rejected concessions to populist rhetoric.
“I will know how to mobilize the youth not to fall into the populists’ siren song, whose problem-solving capacity is inversely proportional to the decibels and nonsense with which they assault our ears,” stressing that “this candidacy will go to the second round” and “it will win,” stated the candidate.
The phrase “imagine Portugal” is not just a slogan, Cotrim de Figueiredo stated, but rather an “invitation and a call to the Portuguese and the country” to make Portugal “a place where talent and work are the real sources of progress.”
“Close your eyes if you need to, but imagine Portugal becoming a modern country,” the candidate urged, advocating changes in public services, health, education, social security, housing, and anti-corruption measures. He proposed “an economy prepared for the future,” with the “ability to attract and retain those who produce culture and knowledge” and to “manage demographics,” with “a talent retention migration policy prepared for the future.”
A President of the Republic “does not govern or legislate, but can and should inspire,” aiming to “mark the political debate” and “ensure the future remains under discussion,” highlighted Cotrim de Figueiredo.
“Because I believe in all this, I know my Presidency will be a different Presidency,” said the former IL leader, rejecting a head of state who is a “ribbon-cutter,” “commentator,” “gray and resigned,” opting instead for one filled with “energy and determination to change things.”
“Do we want an authoritarian President who has just shed their uniform?” the MEP questioned, eliciting a resounding “no” from the audience.
