Former Secretary-General of the Socialist Party (PS), António José Seguro, expressed his gratitude for being supported by a founding party of democracy in his bid for the presidency.
In an interview on SIC on Monday, the socialist mentioned that he immediately called José Luís Carneiro, the current leader of the PS, to convey his thanks.
“In 50 years, [PS] supported four candidates: Mário Soares, Jorge Sampaio, Manuel Alegre, and now me,” he stated.
However, he emphasized that his candidacy is “suprapartisan” and aimed at “the Portuguese people,” pointing out that PS’s support is just one among many.
Seguro remarked, “I could be lounging on my sofa, enjoying the beach, but I felt a call, a conviction, and I believe I can contribute to the country.”
“I consider myself a blessed person,” he admitted. “I was born 63 years ago in a village in the interior of Portugal, and today I stand as a candidate for President of the Republic—the highest office of the country I love and for which I will not give up, as the saying goes,” he declared, confident that if elected, he will build “a just and excellent country.”
He pledges to be an inclusive head of state, promoting “a culture of consensus” and putting an end to “this trench culture,” distancing from being a “shadow prime minister in Belém.”
“I want to be a President of the Republic who unites the Portuguese and serves Portugal,” he stated.
Seguro acknowledged that he sees himself in many former Presidents of the Republic, particularly those from the left, highlighting “the firmness of Ramalho Eanes,” “the vision of Mário Soares,” and “the humanism of Jorge Sampaio.” However, he argued that “if trusted by the Portuguese,” he will not base his presidency on previous ones, as “these are different times.”
