João Cotrim Figueiredo, after participating in a lunch debate at the International Club of Portugal in Lisbon, addressed the media regarding an interview by Luís Marques Mendes to Observador. In the interview, the PSD-supported candidate expressed willingness to disclose the clients of his family business, dissolved in November.
Cotrim Figueiredo stated he was “partially” clarified, pointing out that Marques Mendes agreed to disclose the clients of the family business but not those related to his law firm’s activities, citing confidentiality agreements.
“Confidentiality holds if the clients don’t authorize disclosure. The Portuguese have the right to know what kind of interests were being represented during that time,” he remarked.
The presidential candidate, backed by IL, criticized Luís Marques Mendes for not applying the same transparency standard he once demanded from Luís Montenegro concerning Spinumviva, highlighting a call for the prime minister to clarify everything, including client identities.
“He could apply this standard to himself, as the President of the Republic will engage with various states and potentially conflicting business interests. It’s essential to know exactly what occurred,” he emphasized.
Speaking to journalists post-event, Cotrim Figueiredo appealed to voters during his speech, urging them not to succumb to tactical voting but rather favor their primary choice in the presidential race.
“A country perpetually settling for the second choice will never become a first-rate nation. Choosing the second option out of fear of alternatives prevents meaningful progress. Tactical voting in this election is the most futile act, if not counterproductive,” he argued.
In his address, focused on the necessary reforms for Portugal, Cotrim Figueiredo assessed national problems in productivity, healthcare, education, technology, and justice, advocating for comprehensive reforms.
“We need courage, as these reforms may cost votes and involve painful transitions. Our focus should extend beyond the immediate electoral cycle,” he declared.
Responding to a participant’s query about implementing reforms as President without executive power, Cotrim Figueiredo expressed intent to inspire public opinion and galvanize social, civic, and professional movements aiming to challenge state structures.
“State structures, though fragile, can be breached with persistence. It’s painful initially but bears no lasting harm. The President can inspire such action and support reform-minded governments, sharing the burden of reform,” he proposed.
