“We will fight with confidence, in a campaign that aims to fight for victory, and the victory is to win. For democracy, for progressive values in the sovereign body that is the President of the Republic of this country,” stated António Filipe during a speech at ISCTE, Lisbon, attended by hundreds, including PCP Secretary-General Paulo Raimundo.
Since announcing his candidacy in July, António Filipe emphasized the presence of a campaign aligned with the values of April, the Constitution, and capable of uniting progressive forces to triumph in the presidential elections.
He remarked, “This candidacy addressed a major concern many had regarding the dominance of right-wing forces in sovereign bodies, amidst the offensive launched by the Government and the Assembly of the Republic against fundamental rights of workers, youth, immigrants, and the general population.”
In a jab at candidates Catarina Martins and Jorge Pinto, respectively backed by BE and Livre, António Filipe asserted that his candidacy “did not wait for any imaginary candidacy” and is “irreplaceable.”
Expressing gratitude to PCP and PEV for their support, António Filipe declared that his campaign “transcends party boundaries” addressing all citizens.
“Some media have asked if I appeal for support from other parties, any other parties. I said no. I am not addressing specific parties. I am speaking to all citizens, all democrats, because everyone owns their vote and will decide on January 18,” he said.
António Filipe humorously noted that until now, “no one has dared” to question whether he is left or right, referencing António José Seguro’s interview where, when asked if he was left-leaning, he refused to be “boxed in.” He boldly asserted, “If anyone asks if I am left or right, I am unequivocally and proudly left,” drawing applause from the audience.
Emphasizing that his campaign’s program aims to “fulfill and enforce the Constitution,” António Filipe asserted that issues like the housing crisis, healthcare, climate, education, and discrimination must not be excluded from the presidential debate.
He stated, “We will have the opportunity from now until January 18 for the first round, and in the three weeks following for the second round, to bring these issues into debate,” underscoring that his campaign seeks to be “mobilizing” and gather those with a “desire for change.”
Before António Filipe spoke, Sofia Lisboa, announced this Wednesday as the national representative of his candidacy, emphasized that the President of the Republic “has a voice and can lend it to those who need it most” and “can make society think and talk about what matters.”
“And imagine, for a moment, what country we could build and what giant steps we could take if António Filipe were our President and could fully fulfill that role,” she affirmed.
