“We need to focus on what needs to be transformed so that our economy becomes both sustainable and sustained. This is crucial to maintain the welfare state, ensuring that the country fulfills various functional obligations without distancing itself from the Portuguese populace,” stated former President Ramalho Eanes.
The ex-head of state made these comments to journalists at the voting venue in Lisbon around 4:00 PM. He declined to discuss the presidential elections and announced candidates.
On the topic of policies up for discussion, he mentioned the “current geopolitical issues” worldwide, particularly in Europe, which have altered significantly over the past year. He expressed no doubt that “this will entail significant expenses for countries globally.”
He added, “Portugal is also involved, and it would be interesting for the Portuguese to know what they have to pay, when, and how, enabling them to naturally participate in the collective security of the European Union.”
Eanes emphasized that “politicians are aware, Portugal will be, but not fully,” highlighting the need for these matters to be addressed publicly.
He further remarked, “If civil society were deeply interested, it would have demanded these issues be addressed, which has not happened.”
The General Secretariat of the Ministry of Internal Administration (SGMAI) stated that 10.8 million voters are eligible to participate in today’s anticipated legislative elections.
In total, 230 deputies will be elected across 22 electoral districts—18 in mainland Portugal and the remaining in the Azores, Madeira, Europe, and outside Europe. The elections are expected to cost around 26.5 million euros.
Twenty-one political parties are competing in these elections, three more than in last year’s March elections.
The Liberal Social Party (PLS) is making its debut in this election, alongside AD (PSD/CDS-PP), PS, Chega, IL, BE, CDU (PCP/PEV), Livre, PAN, ADN, RIR, JPP, PCTP/MRPP, Nova Direita, Volt Portugal, Ergue-te, Nós, Cidadãos!, PPM, and with lists in one or both autonomous regions, MPT, PTP, and PSD/CDS/PPM.
In the previous legislative elections on March 10, 2024, the abstention rate was 40.16%, the lowest since 2005, when it stood at 35.74%.
