President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has expressed his position regarding the appointment of a new government, emphasizing the importance of confidence in its acceptance by the parliament. Speaking to journalists at the Belém Palace in Lisbon, the President stated, “The President is comfortable appointing a government knowing it won’t be immediately rejected. He is not comfortable appointing one without that certainty.”
When questioned about the possibility of swearing in an executive from a party that did not win the elections but demonstrates the ability to govern, the head of state clarified that the primary concern is not about which party leads but ensuring that the appointed government can implement its program effectively.
“What must be avoided in these circumstances, obviously, is a government that, right from the start, after hearing all parties, has no chance of being supported in parliament,” he asserted.
According to Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the initial phase of the campaign for the anticipated legislative elections on May 18 has been “positive” regarding potential support bases, as various parties begin to define their positions on this issue.
“Parties either appeal for increased support in parliament, seeking a more substantial, broader base, or they discuss potential agreements or understandings for the future, or they show willingness, in the event of victory, to engage in dialogue with other parties to strengthen their support base. They also declare that they will not be a problem in terms of the country’s stability,” he noted.
Under the Constitution, “the Prime Minister is appointed by the President of the Republic, after consulting all parties represented in the Assembly of the Republic and considering the election results.”
The government’s program must be submitted to the Assembly of the Republic for consideration “within a maximum of ten days after its appointment,” and any parliamentary group may “propose the rejection of the program, or the government may request the approval of a vote of confidence.”
