Henrique Gouveia e Melo, former Chief of the Navy Staff, has confirmed his candidacy for the Presidency of the Republic in next year’s elections, with an official announcement set for May 29th.
During a visit to a metalworking company in Pombal, Leiria district, Rui Rocha refrained from commenting extensively on the subject, stating that the focus is currently on deciding the country’s parliamentary future.
“I believe there was a comment from candidate Gouveia e Melo about not wanting to be a protagonist, but it seems a poor principle for someone running for another election to wait until three days before the legislative elections to introduce themselves, appearing as a candidate who actually wants to be the focus,” he criticized.
In reference to Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Rui Rocha mentioned that if there’s any criticism deserved by the current President, it’s “becoming the focus at many moments,” adding that it would be preferable for the next head of state to be “more balanced in terms of media presence.”
When asked if Gouveia e Melo has started his campaign on the wrong foot, Rui Rocha replied, “It doesn’t seem like he has started very well.”
Gouveia e Melo, speaking to Rádio Renascença, confirmed his decision to run for the Presidency of the Republic.
“The announcement will be made formally on May 29th,” the admiral stated.
He explained that his decision was also influenced by “some internal instability that has persisted” in the country due to short-term governments and a lack of stable governance.
“This internal instability is evident to all of us Portuguese,” highlighted Gouveia e Melo, noting that the “world has changed significantly since 2023.”
