Following a meeting with the board of directors of the Amadora-Sintra Hospital in Lisbon, Mariana Leitão expressed her approval of João Cotrim Figueiredo’s willingness to run for the 2026 presidential elections.
“He possesses all the essential qualities needed to represent liberal values, emphasizing more freedom, less government, and a more efficient state,” she noted.
Leitão highlighted these as fundamental values for the Liberal Initiative (IL) to endorse a presidential candidacy and, when asked if she intends to support João Cotrim Figueiredo, she stated, “We will wait.”
“It is very pleasing, especially to me, that he has shown this willingness, and I hope he follows through,” she added.
When asked if she was surprised by the announcement made by João Cotrim Figueiredo, given that she previously mentioned at the IL Convention in Alcobaça this Saturday that presidential elections would not be a topic, Leitão replied that any time for the MEP to express his candidacy is appropriate.
“There was a demonstration of willingness and a certain eagerness given the lack of a suitable candidate who addresses what needs defending, especially toward the youth. This is what João Cotrim Figueiredo has done,” she stated.
Leitão was further questioned if she felt challenged by Rui Rocha’s remarks at the convention, where he suggested stepping back from leadership to discern whether the IL’s inability to surpass the 5% electoral threshold was due to him or the party.
The IL leader praised Rocha for his “extremely accurate assessment of the last two and a half years of his leadership,” the growth IL experienced, and the “various issues” he placed on the political agenda.
“In my current role, I will do everything to ensure the continued growth, leaving my mark and consolidating it further,” she stated.
Leitão dismissed the obligation to “surpass the 5% threshold,” asserting her main duty is to give her best.
On Saturday, MEP João Cotrim Figueiredo, who led IL from 2019 to 2023, declared his availability to run for president but noted that the decision “is not finalized” and depends on the backing of other entities beyond IL, which he did not specify.
