Carlos César expressed to journalists in Ponta Delgada, located on the island of São Miguel in the Azores, where he cast an early vote for the legislative elections, that when it comes to results, “everything is open.”
“The people decide, it is the people who will decide,” he declared, expressing that he is very confident in the PS’s victory.
The PS president emphasized the importance of having a government responsive to challenges not only in the national economy but also potential issues arising from warfare and external security. He stressed the need for a government that defends the unprotected, the elderly, the poor, and those most reliant on the state.
César advocated for a responsible state with social and humanistic values, asserting that the Socialist Party is well-positioned to offer reassurance within Portuguese society and the future government of Portugal. He urged voters to renew hope and promised that the Socialist Party would restore hope to the people.
The honorary president of PS/Açores, who led the Azorean Regional Government for 16 years and is a member of the Council of State, also underscored the importance of Portuguese citizens making their voices heard and not leaving decisions to others on election day.
Highlighting a heightened need for protection against an increasingly certain economic crisis, possibly tied to international affairs, César reiterated the necessity of a sensitive government to protect the vulnerable, the poor, the elderly, and those dependent on an efficient state.
Using healthcare as an example, César stressed that the state should recognize that current conditions should not be normalized.
He further reflected on the PS’s significant history in the country, emphasizing the new leadership’s understanding of current economic and social challenges, encouraging citizens to place confidence in this leadership.
“We know what we are doing, and we are aware that the impending crisis can only be tackled with a Socialist Party in government, a government with social sensitivity and humanism, sometimes even a Christian perspective, which I find lacking in the current governance’s inhumanity,” he concluded.
Carlos César, who voted early today, arrived at the Ponta Delgada Town Hall building in São Miguel at 16:01 local time (17:01 in Lisbon), accompanied by his wife. After briefly waiting in line, he cast his vote at table number one and exited the building by 16:07 local time.
More than 10.8 million registered voters, both domestic and abroad, are set to participate in the anticipated legislative elections on May 18, electing 230 deputies to the Assembly of the Republic.
A total of 21 parties or coalitions are contesting the legislative elections, with the Social Liberal Party making its debut.
