Luís Montenegro spoke at the Évora rally of the AD coalition – PSD/CDS, which was preceded by a street action in the city’s historic zone. In his speech, as he did on Monday, he reiterated his goal to continue serving as Prime Minister for two terms, totaling eight years.
On João de Deus street, at the first open-air rally of this campaign, the Prime Minister argued that only the AD offers a project of hope and security for the young, workers, and pensioners.
After mentioning the initiatives his administration has taken for different generations, he particularly criticized those who “seek to sow fear” among retirees, claiming that “this effort is futile, as the reality is evident”—referring here to the increase in pensions over the past year and the payment of an extraordinary supplement.
At this point, although stating he did not intend to rely on past actions to defend himself in the current political battle, he pointed out that the largest ever increase in pensioner incomes happened during Cavaco Silva’s governments, with the introduction of a 14th month. Conversely, the freezing and largest cuts applied to all pensions occurred in 2010 under José Sócrates’ second socialist executive.
“There’s no misleading anyone. We could recount history, but that exercise is for those looking back into the past. We are looking forward,” he countered.
After promising hope to pensioners, youth, and workers, he discussed security, defining Portugal as a financially, economically, and socially secure country that needs political stability. On the social front, he highlighted recent data indicating a reduction in the unemployment rate.
However, Luís Montenegro also addressed citizen safety, noting that he was criticized for speaking to the nation at 8 PM on this topic from the official residence of the Prime Minister.
“On that day, when they tried to label me an extremist, what usually happens happened again. Whenever the Government acts, even when it performs well, even when they acknowledge internally that we are doing well, and even when people recognize it, the oppositions always believe everything is wrong,” he declared.
In this context, he sought to distinguish his conduct when he was opposition leader from those now opposing his Government.
“A year ago, I was here presenting proposals, not criticizing anyone. As an opposition leader, I also pointed out what was wrong. But, for heaven’s sake, going around saying everything is wrong,” he lamented, before challenging his adversaries with a question:
“Is it necessary to appear angry every day, bitter every day, bothered daily by the country’s success?”
In the preceding speech, Francisco Figueira, head of the AD list in the Évora electoral district, stated that the district inherited “a heavy legacy,” but that the current Government stood by Alto Alentejo “every day.”
“Some did not like that. And today we are here because there was a negative coalition between the PS and Chega that decided to topple the AD Government. Concentrate your vote on SAD to restore stability to the country,” he declared.
Francisco Figueira emphasized that in Alto Alentejo, there are projects in health, irrigation, and culture sectors, with support for the youth and the elderly and the reevaluation of 19 public administration careers.
“Teachers waited 19 years for their service time to be reinstated. As the Prime Minister says, the central focus of our political actions is people. To those who, out of protest, vote left and right, I ask them to look at the Government’s work and concentrate their vote on AD,” he added.
