In an interview with Antena 1, broadcast today, the PSD parliamentary leader criticized the approach taken by Admiral Gouveia e Melo regarding the potential swearing-in of a government led by André Ventura, during his appearance on TVI/CNN on Monday night.
“These matters cannot be handled like this. It’s really necessary to have political backing. The way scenarios are considered seems to me to reflect little political experience or none at all,” he commented on Gouveia e Melo’s interview on TVI/CNN.
Hugo Soares further warned that Gouveia e Melo as President of the Republic presents “a significant risk,” while dismissing notions that his candidacy is dividing the PSD electorate and candidate Luís Marques Mendes.
“I think Gouveia e Melo’s candidacy is fracturing the Chega electorate and the Chega party, which is in turmoil, still undecided on whether to support Gouveia e Melo. Meanwhile, Gouveia e Melo is also uncertain as we don’t know if he wants Chega’s support or not,” he alleged.
The social-democrat secretary-general reiterated concerns about “the lack of knowledge the country has about Admiral Gouveia e Melo’s political thoughts,” criticizing the treatment of the presidential candidate based on his rank in the Portuguese Navy.
After expressing discomfort with the use of the admiral designation for the candidate for Belém, Hugo Soares concluded: “It doesn’t seem healthy for someone who has held high-level military positions to transition from the military sphere to a presidential candidacy. I don’t find it healthy for democracy.”
In the interview, Hugo Soares predicted a smoother legislative term, claiming that the PS “appears to have a much more moderate leadership” and, on the other hand, André Ventura “wants to assume the role of more moderate and responsible” while presenting himself as “having greater political maturity.”
