After greeting Paulo Raimundo at the largest rally of the PCP campaign thus far, near Campanhã Station, Rosa Meireles wished him good luck and “all the best,” stating that the secretary-general deserves it.
Regardless of the results on May 18, she intends to continue supporting the party to which she has been a member for 48 years.
“If the results are not favorable, we are here to face everything and everyone, in good times and bad,” said the 65-year-old, who owns a small restaurant near the station.
Rosa Meireles’s commitment mirrors that to her beloved club, Salgueiros, which was once in the top football league and is now in the district leagues.
“I remain a supporter of Salgueiros and pay my dues. Just like Salgueiros, that’s how I stand with the CDU. Even if the party falters, I will always be a communist,” she remarked.
Throughout the march from the former PIDE headquarters in Porto to Campanhã Station, Paulo Raimundo received several encouragements for the May 18 elections, distributed carnations, and waved to people watching from balconies and windows as hundreds descended Heroísmo Street.
Edite Pinto, who received a carnation from the PCP’s secretary-general, told reporters that she had yet to decide her vote but suggested that, given current circumstances, she might consider voting for the CDU.
“It’s a genuine option, from the heart. Times are tough, I pay 800 euros for my house and have to work hard to afford it, and this party might help us, right?” remarked the Campanhã resident.
Further back, Paulo Raimundo listened to José Duque, a shop owner on Heroísmo Street, express hopes that the CDU could increase its parliamentary group.
“We are working toward that,” replied the PCP secretary-general.
Speaking to Lusa, José Duque said the CDU would receive at least two votes there—his and his wife’s.
“Sometimes, there are some doubts, some existential questions,” reflected José Duque, admitting he once “swallowed an elephant” and didn’t vote for the PCP, but he’s determined not to do that this time.
“We are voting for Raimundo because I am very pleased with him. Some new blood was needed in the PCP,” he stated.
