“I understand that they might be afraid to debate with me. I am always available to debate with them,” stated Nuno Melo during a visit to Air Base No. 11 in the Beja district.
Reports from various media outlets indicate that Luís Montenegro is only willing to debate with the leaders of PS, Chega, Iniciativa Liberal, and PCP. He has designated Nuno Melo, leader of CDS-PP and partner in the Aliança Democrática coalition, to debate with BE, Livre, and PAN.
The meeting of political parties with television channels to determine the debate schedule took place on Tuesday, but the format remains undecided.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has announced that the early legislative elections will be held on May 18, following the political crisis that led to the resignation of the AD Government after its motion of confidence was rejected in parliament.
Nuno Melo also addressed questions regarding the post-electoral governance agreement between PSD and CDS in the Madeira autonomous region. This agreement ensures a parliamentary majority in the region and includes the integration of the Democratic Christian leader of the archipelago into the executive.
“What is relevant to me is understanding that after a period of significant instability, for which CDS was never responsible, as we never desired early elections, voters have shown that stability is a decisive asset. Through their votes, they have demonstrated a preference for a majority formula that could, over four years, help solve the problems in Madeira. If this coalition between PSD and CDS worked in Madeira, I hope it can also work in Portugal,” he commented.
