The candidate backed by the PCP, speaking during a public session in Maia, Porto district, focused on the theme “Fulfill the Constitution, Build the Future,” reiterated his commitment to employ “all and every possibility” afforded by the Constitution of the Republic to oppose the government’s labor package if elected President.
“On the 11th, I will certainly be alongside a picket line, to express my solidarity with the workers, and will suspend campaign activities that day, as such actions require others to work,” he stated.
He clarified that candidates do not strike as “running for President is not exactly a job position.”
He added, “There’s significant logistics involved [in campaign actions] that would require individuals to work that day, so I won’t participate in those; instead, I will only be present at locations where I can express solidarity with striking workers.”
Antonio Filipe further addressed the general strike called in response to the “notorious labor package” proposed by Luís Montenegro’s government, pledging to challenge it “within the constitutional means available” if elected and if the package passes in Parliament.
“I emphasize my hope that Portuguese workers will defeat this labor package, leading to its rejection in the Assembly of the Republic,” he noted.
He continued, “I’ve previously stated that as President, should it reach me for ratification, I would evaluate its constitutionality in order to submit contentious norms to the Constitutional Court for review.”
Filipe said he would subsequently assess the document: “I would send a message to the Assembly of the Republic with my objections, highlighting any aspects harmful to workers and detrimental to the country, urging them to reconsider.”
“These are the options the President of the Republic holds within constitutional powers, and I would utilize each and every one of them,” he affirmed.
Reacting to news from Jornal de Notícias about the inability to vote in mobility in the presidential elections, António Filipe expressed regret: “I can only lament,” he responded.
“There have been elections where mobile voting was facilitated, particularly for the European Parliament due to one national constituency. Therefore, it should be feasible for the presidential elections too,” he pointed out.
The presidential elections are scheduled for January 18, 2026.
Beyond António Filipe, candidacy announcements include André Ventura (supported by Chega), Cotrim Figueiredo (supported by IL), António José Seguro (supported by PS), Catarina Martins (supported by BE), Jorge Pinto (supported by Livre), Luís Marques Mendes (supported by PSD), and Henrique Gouveia e Melo.
