The national councilors of the party, meeting behind closed doors at the party headquarters in Lisbon, have unanimously approved a proposal, according to sources present at the meeting.
In 2024, the Social Democratic Party (PSD), the Democratic and Social Centre – People’s Party (CDS-PP), and the People’s Monarchist Party (PPM) formed a pre-electoral coalition known as the Democratic Alliance (AD), which won the legislative elections on March 10 by a margin of 50,000 votes over the Socialist Party (PS).
Speaking to journalists at the conclusion of the meeting, the president of CDS-PP confirmed that the party has an agreement with the PSD for a coalition termed the Democratic Alliance, as occurred in the last legislative elections and will legally contest under this name. He expressed confidence in the legitimacy of continuing with the coalition’s name from the previous year.
“I believe that the coalition is legitimate, considering that coalitions dissolve after the end of a mandate cycle. Therefore, this is another coalition with that designation, and I see no issue with it,” he stated.
Nuno Melo was further questioned about comments from PSD’s Secretary-General, Hugo Soares, who argued that “there is nothing preventing the use of the AD nomenclature for this candidacy.” Soares indicated that journalists would be informed of the coalition’s registered name in the coming days.
“I was not personally involved in addressing the legal and procedural aspects of the coalition itself. I am certain there will be a coalition resembling the Democratic Alliance or equivalent, but primarily one that embodies the political project for the country established just over a year ago, realized in elections approximately 11 months ago, and that should continue,” Melo elaborated.
When asked why the PPM was excluded from this coalition, the CDS-PP leader declined to comment, stating it was not his place to delve into the matter.
Nuno Melo also expressed confidence in another electoral victory. However, when questioned about retaining his role as Minister of National Defense, he deferred the decision to later, explaining that “the composition of a government is the responsibility of the prime minister.”
“I am certain that the CDS will be a crucial part of this coalition in achieving the victory I believe we will achieve in the upcoming legislative elections,” he declared, emphasizing that “the CDS is a party that accepts responsibilities and brings stability to the country.”
