The televised debate between the two candidates for the upcoming January 18 elections, broadcasted today on SIC, featured Luís Marques Mendes (backed by the PSD) and António Filipe (backed by the PCP) who disagreed on nearly every issue discussed, albeit in a calm manner with minimal interruptions.
On the first topic, regarding labor laws and the general strike planned for December 11, the former PSD leader expressed optimism and confidence that the strike could be avoided—while acknowledging it as a legitimate workers’ right—and called for special respect for the UGT, noting its history of agreements.
Conversely, the former PCP deputy preferred opposing the proposed labor law over the impending strike, accusing Marques Mendes of being “the government candidate,” to which Marques Mendes retorted that António Filipe seemed “more of a faction candidate than one to unite the country.”
“I am no more factional than Luís Marques Mendes, who was the PSD leader, so let’s not go there,” António Filipe countered.
The PCP-backed candidate reiterated his disagreement with the way the parliamentary commemorative session for the 50th anniversary of November 25 is being organized, stating he would not attend if he were head of state. Marques Mendes criticized this stance as “regrettable and incomprehensible,” arguing that the date should be celebrated without undermining the significance of April 25.
Mendes prioritized political stability as his “first mission” should he be elected head of state, whereas António Filipe emphasized “stability in people’s lives.”
On economic matters, the former PSD leader reiterated his plan to address parliament with a message on the country’s economic and social challenges over the next decade, lamenting that Portugal has only converged one percentage point with the European Union over the past 30 years.
Introducing the topic of TAP into the debate, the PCP-backed candidate argued that today’s judicial searches underscore the importance of halting the airline’s privatization, prompting a caution from Mendes.
“Without TAP’s privatization, even partially, it will not grow. Under Brussels’ rules, the State cannot inject a single euro,” he stated.
When asked about their actions if the country veers towards authoritarianism, Mendes discounted such a “disastrous scenario” but vowed to be relentless against “those who undermine democracy’s quality.”
“I would do what the Constitution allows. Ultimately, the President can dissolve the Assembly and dismiss the Government to ensure the institutions function properly,” António Filipe replied.
In foreign policy, the former PCP deputy advocated for Portugal to have “its own voice” in the European Union and NATO, while Marques Mendes called for a strengthened Atlantic Alliance and urged António Filipe to condemn Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine.
“Your first appeal should be to the Russian president to withdraw from Ukraine. How is it possible that between Putin and Zelensky, you choose Putin?” he said.
“You’re mistaken, you’re mistaken. I believe this war could and should have been avoided,” António Filipe responded, asserting that he condemned the Russian invasion three years ago.
Besides Mendes and António Filipe, six other candidates are participating in the televised face-offs, concluding on December 22: António José Seguro (backed by PS), André Ventura (backed by Chega), Catarina Martins (backed by BE), Henrique Gouveia e Melo, João Cotrim Figueiredo (backed by Iniciativa Liberal), and Jorge Pinto (backed by Livre).
