The support was announced today through a letter written by Manuela Eanes, read this evening by Leonor Beleza, president of the honor committee of the candidacy, at the event presenting this committee, held at the UACS – Union of Trade and Services Associations building, in Lisbon.
In the letter, Leonor Beleza highlights the “ethical dimension, sense of honor and relevant services rendered to the country” that she recognizes in Marques Mendes, as well as the “important role he played in benefiting civil society’s understanding.”
“I also support Dr. Luís Marques Mendes, especially because the country and the world are going through a difficult situation, which, unfortunately, promises to worsen and requires, in my opinion, a President of the Republic with deep knowledge of political activity, political actors, political-party practice, and also constitutional practice,” the letter states.
Manuela Eanes was not present at the event due to health reasons that are not of “significant concern,” explains the wife of the former head of State Ramalho Eanes in the letter.
The event, scheduled for 9:00 PM, began about half an hour later than planned, and was attended by several Government members, various PSD personalities (the party has already formalized support for the former leader and State counselor), independents, and figures linked to different political areas, such as Carla Castro, a former member of IL.
Before Luís Marques Mendes, four speakers were set to intervene: Leonor Beleza, president of the Champalimaud Foundation and State counselor, who presides over the candidacy’s honor committee, Carlos Moedas, mayor of Lisbon and social-democratic leader, Alice Vieira, writer, and João Perestrello, president of SEDES Jovem.
The event occurs days after the also presidential candidate Admiral Henrique Gouveia e Melo publicly presented his candidacy at the Alcântara Maritime Terminal in Lisbon, and on the same day that former PS Secretary-General António José Seguro announced his candidacy for President of the Republic.
