José Pedro Aguiar Branco spoke to journalists near the conclusion of a street campaign in the historic center of Viana do Castelo, focusing on the upcoming elections scheduled for the 18th.
The President of the Assembly of the Republic expressed a desire that the final week of campaigning be centered primarily on the country’s proposals and ideas, rather than negative commentary on political opponents.
“One thing is indisputable, the choice of a prime minister is at stake, and it involves choosing between [PSD President] Luís Montenegro and [PS Secretary-General] Pedro Nuno Santos,” he asserted.
José Pedro Aguiar Branco then defended the political actions of the prime minister, arguing that he should be allowed “to continue to execute what has been done in 11 months, which is far more than what others [from PS] achieved in eight years.”
“People know well what the country needs, they want stability, not experimentation or adventurism. The world is unstable, and that stability can only be ensured between two prime ministers: either Pedro Nuno de Santos or Luís Montenegro. We trust that the people will choose Luís Montenegro,” concluded the former Social Democratic minister.
When questioned about whether ethical integrity is a factor in the election choices facing Portuguese voters, the AD candidate from Viana do Castelo concurred and supported Luís Montenegro.
“I hope this is also a consideration, because there is no doubt, when choosing, that integrity also lies with the candidate and the prime minister, Luís Montenegro,” he replied.
When asked if he hoped to continue as President of the Assembly of the Republic, the former Social Democratic minister considered it premature to discuss: “Everything in its own time.”
Aguiar Branco was also asked about the indication from some polls that results may not guarantee stability in the next legislature, but he downplayed these opinion studies.
“The issue with polls depends on the day, the moment, and the organization or institution conducting them. We trust the final poll, which is the Portuguese people’s poll on the 18th,” he countered.
In this context, the former Social Democratic minister reiterated his stance that the country is experiencing “a very important moment for Portugal.”
“Stability is necessary. We believe the Portuguese people know, when voting, they are choosing a prime minister who will ensure that stability for another four years. We trust that the choice will be Luís Montenegro,” he declared.
To the gathered journalists, the President of the Assembly commented that it was not the time to debate who was responsible for the political crisis leading to early legislative elections.
“I think it no longer matters who was responsible. There will be an electoral act on the 18th. We trust that people know well what the country needs,” he insisted.
In a second statement to journalists, the AD candidate from Viana do Castelo emphasized the “maturity” of the Portuguese people, underscoring that “they are not fools and will not be deceived.”
“Let there be no attempt to confuse the Portuguese, as happened with the IRS, the [CP] strike, or the supposed privatization of Social Security. These are issues in which there is an attempt to confuse the Portuguese people, and Luís Montenegro has always spoken the truth. Portugal needs someone with common sense and moderation in a world that is dangerous,” he added.
[News updated at 13:31]
