“Mariana, you know how much I appreciate your political and personal qualities, and I believe you will have an excellent term. Now, you also know that you can count on me for all battles that can make IL stronger,” stated Cotrim de Figueiredo.
At the IL’s 10th convention, held today in Alcobaça, Leiria, the former leader discussed these closer battles – the municipal and presidential elections – and while describing the lack of enthusiasm he perceives in the current lineup of presidential candidates, calls for him to step forward as a candidate began to echo in the room.
“Go, João. Go, João,” became an increasingly audible appeal among the congress participants.
The Liberal Initiative had announced Mariana Leitão’s presidential candidacy, but she withdrew to focus on running for the party leadership after Rui Rocha stepped down following the legislative elections on May 18.
“This may not be very pleasant to say, but it’s not exactly controversial: none of the announced candidates or those emerging seem to be generating particular enthusiasm or mobilizing capacity, or maybe I’m seeing it wrong,” Cotrim de Figueiredo remarked.
For the former liberal president, “it’s unfortunate that 51 years after April 25, our democracy hasn’t managed to produce better than a lineup of candidates who don’t inspire, don’t resonate with the youth” or the “more dynamic” groups, who show no interest in discussing the major trends that will shape our future, and therefore are candidates unlikely to unite the country around any mobilizing purpose.”
“A President of the Republic cannot be just the arbiter of the system or the guardian of the Constitution; they must also be a beacon and a reference. And, from our standpoint, of course, that reference should always be towards a country that is more modern, future-oriented, and more liberal,” he sustained.
“I haven’t yet seen such a candidate. I haven’t seen one yet, but there is a need,” he added, at which point the delegates’ calls at the convention grew louder.
Cotrim also mentioned the municipal elections on October 12, noting that the party will have “the opportunity to show that freedom is also built from the ground up, in the territories, whether in neighborhoods, parishes, or municipalities, with concrete solutions, proximity, competence, and by improving people’s lives.”
The Liberal Initiative is holding its 10th National Convention today, with 985 registered members expected to elect Mariana Leitão as the party’s next leader, succeeding Rui Rocha, who has been in the role since 2023.
