In a political rally held in Braga, Rui Rocha, leader of the Liberal Initiative (IL), emphasized that the only truly reformist vote lies with his party, asserting that such a vote would ensure the reversal of detrimental leftist policies and set Portugal on a path of economic growth. “The only truly reformist vote, ensuring that these poor decisions by the left are finally reversed and that we tread the path of economic growth in Portugal, is indeed the vote for IL,” he declared.
Rocha, who is running as the top candidate in his hometown, criticized the impact of left-wing policies implemented in recent years, particularly those under the administration of António Costa. Among his criticisms, Rocha highlighted the 2020 nationalization of TAP Air Portugal, which he described as a wasteful use of 3.2 billion euros from Portuguese taxpayers. He noted that this decision was perceived as particularly unjust in the Braga region, near Porto’s airport.
“While TAP still maintains some significant operations at Lisbon Airport, its presence at Porto Airport is minimal. Therefore, we all know here that we paid for the nationalization of TAP, yet have no TAP air services in this region,” he stated.
Rocha vowed to a gathering of several dozen Braga residents that the IL would privatize TAP without delay. “There will be no more delays,” he reassured.
Rocha also criticized the termination of the public-private partnership (PPP) at the Braga Hospital, a decision he attributed to ideological motives. He claimed this ended a partnership that was beneficial to the public and recognized by healthcare professionals and the Court of Auditors.
“The left decided to end the Braga Hospital PPP, harming the population. I want to commit, here in Braga, where I come from, that with the IL, the Braga Hospital PPP will once again serve the public,” he promised.
Rocha further accused the left of dismantling schools with association contracts in cities like Vila Nova de Famalicão, Guimarães, Riba de Ave, and Braga, which provided quality education especially to the underprivileged.
“The left did not rest until they stifled them,” he accused, noting that this forced students from poorer backgrounds, who had access to quality education, to move to schools with inferior conditions.
“The decision taken by the left went against those who most needed a functioning school system, a school that could serve as a social elevator. I want to assure you here, also in Braga, that with the IL, association contracts will be reactivated,” he affirmed.
Rocha attributed these decisions to left-wing entities, mentioning names like Pedro Nuno Santos, Paulo Raimundo, and Mariana Mortágua from the Communist Party (PCP), the Left Bloc (BE), and the Socialist Party (PS) as principal architects of these policies.
“These figures have been responsible for decisions that have constrained the growth of the region and forced it to abandon effective solutions. This is why we want to change Portugal. We aim to look forward,” he remarked.
Concluding his speech, Rocha warned against being swayed by appeals for a “useful or opportunistic vote.”
“We do not seek a weak vote. We neither want nor request a vote to continue the status quo, to delay progress, or maintain the current state. We are the only party asking the Portuguese people for their vote to change Portugal,” he articulated.
