The leader of Chega, André Ventura, took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his views on Prime Minister Luís Montenegro’s decision to refrain from participating in televised debates with the Left Bloc, Livre, and PAN parties. Ventura noted that Nuno Melo, the president of CDS, will take his place in the debates.
“The Prime Minister’s refusal to participate in televised debates is a sign of his political cowardice and fear of facing these elections,” Ventura wrote in his post.
Ventura emphasized the importance of participation, asserting that everyone should be treated in accordance with their representativeness.
He further declared, “The bipartisan system is dead!”
A recusa do Primeiro-Ministro em participar em debates televisivos é sinal da sua cobardia política e do receio que tem em enfrentar estas eleições. É importante que todos participem e que sejam tratados de acordo com a representatividade que têm. O sistema bipartidário morreu!
— André Ventura (@AndreCVentura) March 26, 2025
According to various reports, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro is only willing to debate with the leaders of PS, Chega, Iniciativa Liberal, and PCP. He has designated Nuno Melo, leader of CDS and a coalition partner, to engage in debates with BE, Livre, and PAN.
On Tuesday, RTP, SIC, and TVI met with all parties represented in Parliament to propose replicating the 2024 debate format.
The three television stations presented a proposal to the parties to repeat the debate model used in the 2024 legislative elections. However, the final decision on the format has not yet been made.
