The presidential candidate António José Seguro gave an interview on Thursday discussing his recently announced candidacy after months of speculation.
In his conversation with CNN Portugal, the former secretary-general of the Socialist Party explained that he considered his decision carefully, seeking advice from friends and determining the feasibility of his campaign.
“Any decision has an impact. Not only on my activities but also financially when I have to suspend them. I have commitments. I had to weigh this because I don’t live off politics, I live from my work, like the vast majority of Portuguese people,” he stated.
During the process, Seguro also considered the changing conditions on May 18 with the legislative elections. “And to determine if I had the means to do what I love the most, which is to promote consensus, create reconciliation conditions, so people can finally solve ongoing issues for the Portuguese,” he added.
Regarding his decision to run for Belém, Seguro explained it was a form of “giving back”: “I felt it was my duty, a civic duty to my country. I want to give back what the country provided me in education, training, and opportunities. It wasn’t a spontaneous decision. When the moment came, I was ready to announce it. And I did.”
Support from the Socialist Party?
Emphasizing that he is a “free man” with no “ties,” the socialist stated that “he does not have to wait for anyone,” but noted that he has “many supporters” within the Socialist Party and other parties.
Seguro pointed out that the PS is never in an “easy” situation and has “all the time in the world to decide” its course regarding the race for Belém. “But the conviction and choice are mine because I am a free man,” he remarked.
“Now the Socialist Party will decide in the best way. The Socialist Party is not in an easy situation, it is a difficult one. Therefore, they have all the time in the world to decide what they should do in these Presidential elections,” he assured.
When asked if he would understand if the PS did not formally support the candidacy of a former party secretary-general like himself, Seguro mentioned, “that is a principle within the PS.”
“But I am not here in the name of the Socialist Party. Nor do I speak for the Socialist Party. What I can say is that among voters, members, leaders, mayors, and city council presidents, there is great sympathy and satisfaction with my availability and candidacy,” he emphasized.
His candidacy for Belém will be officially announced on June 15 in Caldas da Rainha.
