The televised debate on January 18 elections featured former Navy Chief of Staff Henrique Gouveia e Melo and Jorge Pinto, backed by Livre. They engaged in discussions on labor law reforms, the economy, a constitutional revision, Operation Marquês, and ended with a question that provoked Gouveia e Melo regarding José Sócrates’ endorsement.
Candidate Gouveia e Melo expressed regret over the focus on legislative topics, describing them as “daily superficialities.” He emphasized his desire to discuss matters pertinent to the Presidency of the Republic, asserting he would never be a “puppet” nor a “blocking force” in office.
He explained his silence on the labor law subject was due to ongoing negotiations, suggesting that candidates’ opinions might disrupt these talks.
Reiterating that legislative power lies with the Assembly of the Republic, Gouveia e Melo advocated for “flexibility in labor laws without undermining the core rights of workers.”
Jorge Pinto noted the 10th anniversary of the ‘geringonça’ government led by António Costa, which “restored workers’ rights,” and was the last to complete its term in recent years.
Regarding labor law, Pinto raised concerns about potential constitutional issues, such as the reinstatement rights of unjustly dismissed workers. He vowed to veto the proposal in its current form.
“We’re discussing over 100 amendment proposals, all of which aim to worsen the rights of workers and their families,” Pinto stressed, as the Prime Minister met with UGT, which, alongside CGTP, is maintaining the call for a general strike on December 11.
