The former Socialist deputy Ascenso Simões has expressed concerns about the fragmentation of the “Socialist Party regarding the Presidential elections,” suggesting that António José Seguro “should not accept the party’s support,” and the PS “should refrain from backing any candidate” in the upcoming elections next year.
During his commentary segment ‘Além do óbvio’ on SIC Notícias, Simões was questioned about PS president Carlos César’s remarks at the party’s National Council, which suggested that members are not obliged to support a candidate endorsed by the PS. Simões directly addressed this, stating, “The Socialist Party is fragmented regarding the Presidential elections.”
“This isn’t new; it’s been the case for decades,” he said, referencing the presidential elections between Mário Soares and Manuel Alegre.
He added, “There is a candidacy, that of António José Seguro, which garners major PS support from local mayors and party leaders. However, there is also a group of members who have significant roles in Portuguese society and believe this candidacy does not fully represent the center-left spectrum.”
Simões questioned whether the center-left includes “the PS, along with the Bloco, Livre, and other movements,” noting, “that isn’t the center-left.” He emphasized the importance of determining how the Left will present itself in the elections and whether it can “enter the second round.”
Regarding a possible candidacy of Sampaio da Nóvoa, supported by some PS members, Simões commented that he is unsure if Nóvoa will “accept being a fifth or sixth choice among candidates.”
“Professor Sampaio da Nóvoa has a history and political path; he was a university rector, and they’re turning him into a utility for a group of people with chronic narcissism issues. The Socialist Party should be cautious about how it’s promoting this candidacy,” Simões emphasized.
“Seguro’s Candidacy Stems from Pedro Nuno Santos’s Interview”
Simões believes that the “Socialist Party should not support any candidate” and “António José Seguro should not accept the PS’s support.”
“The Socialist Party would remain free of any conflict that might arise among influential leaders within the party, and António José Seguro could pursue his path and might even succeed more by distancing himself from current circumstances in Portuguese politics, defining a clearer path for political purification, improving democratic institutions, and emphasizing the President’s role as a moderator,” he stated.
He continued, “Of course, with the PS’s support, his candidacy will always face limitations due to its association with a recent past.”
Simões noted that it would be “appropriate” for the PS secretary-general, José Luís Carneiro, to advise the National Council, “I recommend we don’t support any candidate.”
The socialist noted Antonio José Seguro’s candidacy emerged “from an interview by Pedro Nuno Santos,” explaining that Seguro “was identified through a profiling of figures within the Socialist Party space by Pedro Nuno Santos.”
It’s worth mentioning that socialists António Vitorino and Augusto Santos Silva were also considered potential presidential candidates. Both have announced they will not run.
Thus far, only Luís Marques Mendes, Henrique Gouveia e Melo, and António José Seguro have officially announced their candidacies for the Presidency. The presidential elections are expected early next year.
Additionally, Mariana Leitão, from the Liberal Initiative, initially announced her candidacy but later withdrew following Rui Rocha’s resignation from the party leadership.
