During a visit to the Cordoaria Christmas Market, Cotrim de Figueiredo mentioned that the current President of the Republic and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have taken necessary steps to ensure the community is safeguarded, despite acknowledging the limitations in evacuating certain individuals.

Regarding the country under Nicolás Maduro’s leadership, the candidate described it as a “dictatorial regime, which no longer adheres to any clear political ideology” and is “clearly becoming a narco-state,” emphasizing that it is not merely a security or criminal issue but a political problem due to its severity.

“It doesn’t surprise me that certain narco-states are considered accomplices to terrorism or even terrorist entities. I am not surprised because this is a reality that can occur, given the financial implications. However, that does not justify subversions of international law,” he stated.

Concerning the withdrawal of TAP’s license to operate in that South American country’s airspace, the candidate labeled it as “another abuse by Nicolás Maduro,” which has led to increasing vocal opposition, even from former supporters like the Communist Party of Venezuela, who have criticized the Portuguese Communist Party for not understanding the situation in Venezuela.

“Once again, our Portuguese Communist Party is slow to sense the currents of history and fail to stand on the right side,” he criticized.