The leader of CDS-PP today emphasized his identity as a Christian Democrat, expressing belief in “redemption” when asked whether Chega is demonstrating increased responsibility, though he noted the need for “a few more proofs.”
Following the conclusion of a National Council meeting of CDS-PP, which approved around a hundred new municipal coalitions, Nuno Melo was asked if he agreed with the prime minister’s comments during an interview on Antena 1, which suggested that Chega “is starting to show” more responsibility.
“I am a Christian Democrat, which means that by nature I believe in redemption. I think there are still a few more proofs that need to be provided, despite everything,” he stated.
When pressed on whether he agreed with Luís Montenegro, he simply replied, “I will leave it at that.”
In an interview on the program “Política com Assinatura” on Antena 1, Luís Montenegro reiterated that he does not have a preferred or exclusive partner for dialogue. He observed that the party led by André Ventura “has been normalized” for a long time and urged the PS to exhibit “democratic humility in this new political time.”
“We are in the first month of the legislature. This week, the PS threatened a rupture with the government. Does anyone understand such dramatization, such radicalization within the PS, even contrary to the more expected political line of the current leadership? I myself am a bit surprised,” he remarked, acknowledging that he has also endured “very difficult moments” within his party.
Regarding which of the parties he considers more reliable, Montenegro said he fundamentally has “no distrust of anyone” and expects a “constructive spirit” from both, although he reiterated that the PS has “a history of greater reliability, greater capacity for democratic dialogue, greater political responsibility.”
However, he added that the government relies on the responsibility that Chega “might begin to show, which has not been demonstrated until now, is now starting to show.”
“I have no problem saying it, it is starting to show now. We will see if it continues, if it is short-lived or if it is a consistent trajectory,” he stated.
