Former Left Bloc (BE) coordinator Catarina Martins appears to be positioning herself for a presidential election run.
The current MEP expressed her regret on X over António Sampaio da Nóvoa’s decision to withdraw from the presidential race, describing it as an “important” candidacy that she respects despite understanding his reasons.
Martins noted that many people she has spoken with refuse to choose between a present that abandons the majority and accepting an authoritarian future, concerns she shares.
She advocated for “a dialogue-driven Left capable of proposing a new path for Portugal,” committing to contributing to this effort. However, she acknowledged the “challenging context” for her political spectrum.
“This gives us added responsibility to unite forces, invent solutions, confront dangers with courage, and defend our people,” said Martins. She emphasized the need for a “new impelling refounding of democracy to create the future.”
Sampaio da Nóvoa não se vai candidatar a Presidente da República. Seria uma candidatura importante, mas sei que ponderou muito e respeito os seus argumentos.
— Catarina Martins (@catarina_mart) August 14, 2025
The newspaper Público reports that with Sampaio da Nóvoa’s withdrawal, the Left Bloc is set to proceed with an internal party candidate, with Catarina Martins being a widely supported choice.
The Observador has also confirmed this possibility through a source close to the MEP, though it notes the decision is not yet final as Martins is “considering the option.”
If Catarina Martins runs, it will be the third time the BE supports a female candidate for president. In previous elections, where Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa won, they backed Marisa Matias, then a Member of the European Parliament.
Catarina Martins would also become the second MEP candidate in these elections. Previously, João Cotrim Figueiredo, former president of the Iniciativa Liberal, announced his candidacy, aiming to be a “beacon of reference” and guide Portugal.
João Cotrim Figueiredo, the latest presidential candidate, showed confidence in gaining support from young people and small business owners who are “eager for a truly modern Portugal.”
Márcia Guímaro Rodrigues with Lusa | 22:11 – 13/08/2025
Thus, there are six other candidates for the presidential elections, excluding the mentioned BE and liberal candidates.
This list includes Admiral Gouveia e Melo, Luís Marques Mendes (former PSD president), António José Seguro (former PS leader), António Filipe (former PCP deputy), André Pestana (national coordinator of the Union for All Education Professionals), and businessman Tim Vieira.
New names are entering and leaving the race for Belém. This Wednesday, Cotrim de Figueiredo confirmed his candidacy, while Sampaio da Nóvoa announced his withdrawal. What is the current status of the January elections?
Andrea Pinto | 09:01 – 14/08/2025
