The leader of the PLS party, José Cardoso, declared at a campaign event at the Mercado do Bom Sucesso that the party, which he founded “50 days ago,” aims not to protest but to govern.
Cardoso emphasized, however, that he does not want to govern “at any cost,” as “such a solution does not make sense.” He explained that if the opportunity arises, he would inquire of the PSD which of the “12 paradigm shifts” proposed by PLS they are “willing to implement.”
“If there is a willingness to implement any of these with determination and spirit, it is our duty to step forward and demonstrate that we are here to be a solution,” the party leader added.
Pressed by Lusa about the possibility of collaborating with IL, he replied: “We have no issue with a party that is democratic and willing to work. The crucial point is what is achieved.”
In January 2024, the former IL leadership candidate, José Cardoso, announced his departure from the party, accusing it of disrespecting its principles and claiming that “a fraud” was orchestrated to prevent amendments to the statutory Convention in July.
Regarding the new party’s proposals, Cardoso advocates for a mix of tourism—an economic engine—with increased innovation and science. He also suggests that Portugal should cease selling raw minerals and instead sell when refined or transformed.
Another proposal, according to Cardoso, aims to enhance democracy by introducing electronic voting.
“The idea that my vote doesn’t count because the D’Hondt method discards many votes, or because I have to exchange countless letters with our emigrants, or that I can’t vote while in the Algarve because I am from Aveiro, are notions that don’t make sense in the 21st century,” he argued.
When asked by Lusa if PLS plans to experiment with this option in the upcoming local elections, scheduled for late September or early October this year and intended for the presidential elections in 2026, Cardoso acknowledged there “might not be time” for its implementation within this timeframe.
Referencing Brazil, where electronic voting has been an option since 1995, Cardoso, the PLS leader, emphasized that this matter should be “viewed as a necessity” in Portugal, which is in the 21st century and part of Europe.
“There is always fear of hackers or potential fraud, but the truth (…) is that electronic voting prevents fraud at polling stations, which also exists and is barely discussed,” he insisted.
