In a televised debate broadcasted by SIC, political candidates challenged each other’s statements, with António Filipe, supported by the PCP, refuting claims that he advocated for a referendum on Portugal’s exit from the euro, EU, or NATO. Meanwhile, Cotrim, backed by IL, denied intentions to bring “neoliberal ideas” to Belém.
The debate opened with discussions on the role of the head of state. The former communist deputy, António Filipe, expressed his desire for “the Portuguese to feel they have a President on their side,” while Cotrim attempted to link him to the decisions of PS executives. António Filipe countered by aligning Cotrim more closely with the current PSD/CDS-PP executive.
Regarding reforms in the National Health Service (SNS), amidst sector challenges, Cotrim Figueiredo advocated for a model from his party’s proposed base law, stating his indifference to whether the provider is public, private, or cooperative.
“Patients should be at the center of the system,” he declared, noting that when the SNS fails, “private entities benefit the most,” suggesting these entities are “the main opponents” of such changes.
António Filipe accused that the issues in the SNS result from “neoliberal policies in health,” criticizing that the State must fund private entities, as his opponent envisions, and argued for increased investment in the SNS.
Cotrim Figueiredo dismissed any recent liberal shifts in health, highlighting the continuous growth of the SNS budget.
On labor issues, António Filipe reiterated his disapproval of the Government’s proposed Labor Code revision, accusing it of perpetuating precariousness and undermining collective bargaining.
Cotrim agreed on the need for more jobs and better wages, supporting collective bargaining but emphasized that wage increases only occur “by decree” in the public sector, with private sector wages depending on productivity.
The IL-backed candidate criticized aspects of the Government’s labor law revision draft that affect natality policies but agreed with increasing minimum services in strike laws, questioning his opponent on their necessity in nurseries or nursing homes.
“This labor package is what harms the country; strikes already have minimum services which are sometimes almost maximum,” responded António Filipe.
Defense was the final topic in the build-up to the presidential elections set for January 18, with unexpected agreements between the candidates.
Asked about Portugal’s potential shift to a voluntary military service, Cotrim deemed it unnecessary, highlighting modern military operations’ focus on technology rather than “inexperienced human resources.”
António Filipe noted the Armed Forces’ “lack of attractiveness” as the main issue.
Faced with the question of Portugal’s response if a NATO country is invaded, both candidates agreed on honoring international commitments that mandate solidarity among NATO members.
However, the PCP-supported candidate stated that decisions should be based on “specific situations,” while Cotrim remarked that “no President of the Republic will lightly send troops.”
“There are over 1,100 Portuguese military personnel in global conflict theaters. They are professional troops, not just young people being sent to the front lines,” he emphasized.
