In a televised debate broadcasted by SIC, the candidates exchanged views, contesting each other’s positions. António Filipe, supported by PCP, denied ever advocating for a referendum on Portugal’s exit from the euro, the European Union, or NATO, while Cotrim, backed by IL, rejected the notion of bringing “neoliberal ideas” to Belém.
The discussion opened with the candidates debating the role of the head of state. The former communist deputy expressed his aim for the Portuguese people to feel they have a President who stands by them, as Cotrim attempted to associate him with the decisions of PS executives. António Filipe countered, stating that the former IL leader is much closer to the current PSD/CDS-PP executive.
Addressing the kinds of reforms they advocate for in the National Health Service (SNS) amidst ongoing challenges, Cotrim Figueiredo supported the model outlined in his party’s proposed basic law, emphasizing that it is “irrelevant whether the provider is public, private, or cooperative.”
“Patients should be at the core of the system,” he asserted, warning that when the SNS fails, “private entities benefit the most,” declaring these providers to be “the biggest opponents” of such a shift.
“The current state of the SNS results from neoliberal policies in healthcare,” charged António Filipe, warning that in his opponent’s view, the State would have to fund the private sector. He argued for increased investment in the SNS instead.
Cotrim Figueiredo refuted claims of a liberal drift in health policy over recent years, emphasizing that the SNS budget “has continuously increased.”
On the topic of labor, António Filipe reiterated his outright opposition to the Government’s proposed revisions to the Labor Code, accusing it of seeking to perpetuate job insecurity and undermine collective bargaining.
“We agree on the need for more employment and better wages. It’s wonderful to have more collective bargaining,” Cotrim acknowledged, but stressed that wage increases in the private sector depend on productivity, unlike in the public sector where they happen “by decree.”
The IL-backed candidate criticized aspects of the Government’s draft labor law amendments, including those undermining natality policies, while supporting enhanced minimum services in strike laws. He questioned his opponent about their necessity in nurseries or care homes for the elderly.
“The issue with the country lies in this labor package, as strikes already have minimal services, which, in some cases, are nearly maximum,” responded António Filipe.
Defense was the closing topic in the debate for the presidential elections on January 18, featuring surprising agreements.
When asked whether Portugal should move toward voluntary military service, Cotrim deemed it illogical since military operations now focus more on technological aspects than on human resources “with little experience.” António Filipe, however, viewed the problem as “the lack of attractiveness” of the Armed Forces.
Both candidates agreed that should any NATO country come under invasion, Portugal must uphold the obligations of its international alliances, which require mutual solidarity among all member states of the Atlantic Alliance.
The PCP-supported candidate emphasized, however, that any decision must be taken “based on the specific situation,” while Cotrim noted, “no President of the Republic will rashly send troops.”
“Over 1,100 Portuguese military personnel are deployed in war zones worldwide. They are professional troops, not just young people picked off the street to send to the front lines,” he highlighted.
