Amidst the electoral campaign and with just days left before the Portuguese head to the polls for the legislative elections on May 18, Mariana Leitão, the top candidate for the Liberal Initiative (IL) in Lisbon, discussed party proposals with Notícias ao Minuto.
In this interview, given before the Arbitration Tribunal set minimum services for the CP strike, Leitão, also the IL parliamentary leader, asserted the party’s commitment to stability with “demand.” She discussed the potential for post-election governance agreements with AD, emphasizing that such influence would require a strengthened vote.
Having declared her candidacy for the Presidency, she reaffirmed that “nothing has changed,” not ruling out a governmental role, contingent on “numerous factors.”
Leitão addressed her party’s stance against Chega, stating, “We want voters, regardless of where they come from,” emphasizing solutions beyond “miracle formulas” by André Ventura’s party.
Encouraging voter turnout on May 18, Leitão criticized the nation’s prolonged stagnation and called for change.
CP Strike? As long as it’s a poorly managed state monopoly, these situations will continue to arise
With the May 18 elections approaching, what are your thoughts on the ongoing CP – Comboios de Portugal strike? Can the government truly resolve this deadlock?
The current government is a caretaker. I understand some limitations, but considering the foreseeable consequences, the negotiations should have been more assertive to avoid this situation. It’s unclear why the Arbitration Tribunal initially decided there was no need for minimum services, as common sense suggests they are essential for people to reach work. Fundamentally, CP faces modernization issues, degraded trains, and workers’ demands that deserve some attention. To improve service and workers’ conditions, market competition is necessary. State-managed monopolies lead to situations like this, which is unfair to those who pay for a pass and have no alternatives when strikes occur. I remember three or four strikes in the past year, demonstrating a consistent lack of resolution.
Recently, Luís Montenegro mentioned possibly amending strike legislation. IL’s leader emphasized the untouchable right to strike while open to labor law discussions. What changes are considered?
Rui Rocha affirmed the inviolable right to strike but also suggested the importance of ensuring minimum services.
What specific changes might IL propose?
A focus on minimum services is essential. The right to strike is fundamental in a democratic state, but so is ensuring the general populace isn’t adversely affected, especially those paying for public transport. There’s also the aspect of reimbursing people for days when public transport access isn’t available, preventing double payment for the same service. Market liberalization is necessary, reducing reliance on malfunctioning state entities.
Liberalizing the market means opening it, not making CP 100% private
Hasn’t IL advocated for CP’s privatization?
Liberalization, not just privatization, is proposed. Opening the market doesn’t mean CP would become entirely private.
Could this resemble Italy’s system with private train companies alongside a state company?
Clearly, liberalizing means opening the market. CP can remain public, though the ideal scenario for the country is unclear. The goal is providing options and not being dependent on a single monopoly, as competition improves services.
Our aim remains growth; stagnation equates to failing this goal
With the legislative ‘D-Day’ approaching, last year saw IL aiming for 12 deputies, unfulfilled. Why no specific target this year?
The declared goal is growth; anything less than growth is failing the objective. There’s no specific metric besides reflecting what Portuguese voters decide, though there’s a strong expectation for growth based on long-held ideas and sustained effort. While we avoided concrete numbers, any increase due to the merit of our proposals and transmitted confidence is seen as victory.
It’s regrettable elections result from personal issues, not national interests
With post-election coalition possibilities unknown, has Spinumviva been clarified regarding an AD (PSD/CDS) agreement?
It’s unfortunate that elections arise from personal matters instead of national interests. Neither the Government nor Luís Montenegro had issues conceding to the Socialist Party to avoid elections, yet personal matters now trigger them. Clarifying Spinumviva remains; it wasn’t fully addressed by distancing from the enterprise originally. Montenegro must ensure no conflicts of interest exist if victorious, as perceived last-minute distancing failed to quash suspicions.
The Liberal Initiative ensures stability, demanding high responsibility
Would an AD alliance contradict IL’s stability guarantee?
Election outcomes dictate potential scenarios. Regardless of results, the Liberal Initiative ensures stability and high responsibility. Political strength derived from voter support allows maintained high demands and ambitious implementation of policies, such as improving state efficiency without drastic measures like unjustified public sector dismissals.
Is state reform a governmental area IL seeks?
Indeed, state reform fits IL’s aptitudes due to years of research and focus. Concentrating on crucial areas aligns with IL’s longstanding goals in governmental participation.
A single income tax rate is the eventual objective
Why did IL drop the single IRS rate proposal?
The two-rate proposal persists from last year. While an earlier single rate existed, transitioning eased with dual rates: 15% and 28%, adaptable to country needs while maintaining progression.
The policy didn’t disappear?
The principle of a single rate holds, prioritizing incremental changes from nine brackets to dual percentages, accommodating efficient national interests.
Policy influence dictates talks of posts are premature
Which governmental areas, beyond those mentioned, indicate IL’s readiness for governance?
Discussions of specific government roles are premature without reinforced voting influence. Policy influence remains key, offering innovative proposals and qualified personnel should we secure governance participation.
What about IL’s Presidential candidate commitment? Does it exclude government roles?
My focus is on the May 18 elections, while maintaining presidential commitments. Any governmental involvement depends on electoral results and ensuing developments.
Assuming governance roles hinges on undefined factors
Does that mean a government role isn’t excluded?
Exclusions are premature as future roles depend on many factors, including election outcomes.
Does running in legislations suggest a presidential defeat acknowledgment?
Not at all. My initial presidential announcement and current conditions remain unchanged.
If successful, would presidency involvement necessitate parliamentary departure?
Yes, to assume presidency.
No agreements with Chega are conceivable
Regarding governance, an Expresso poll shows IL growing but unable to ensure majority with AD without Chega. Are no agreements with Chega considered?
We’ve consistently affirmed no conceivable agreements with Chega.
Are you certain?
Absolutely. Vast differences preclude alignment with Chega.
We focus on attracting like-minded individuals, not particular party voters
Isn’t the IL agenda aligned with Chega’s focus on security and citizenship changes?
No, it’s about addressing genuine societal issues like increasing criminality indicated in security reports, proposing specific and targeted legislative responses.
Is IL trying to attract Chega’s electorate?
We welcome all individuals identifying with IL’s ideals, independent of background.
Public investment fails if health systems don’t respond efficiently
Is IL’s ‘Your Health’ program proposing the end of the National Health Service as we know it?
No, our proposal aims to leverage all sectors for genuine universal health access – considering inefficiencies despite record public investments – not privatize health.
Is this financially feasible for the State?
Yes, rational and efficient management meets existing state health obligations.
Would it mean disinvestment?
Not at all; it aims for optimal time-sensitive service delivery and patient choice, essentials for healthcare.
The Liberal Initiative opposes extremism
IL’s suggestion to remove “path to socialism” from the constitution was criticized by Livre’s Rui Tavares, labeling it as extreme. Any response?
We aren’t extremist. Suggested revisions reflect contemporary democratic realities instead of outdated ideological trajectories.
Concern over ideology should prioritize idea presentation
Livre’s Rui Tavares declared ambitions to rival IL in popular parties. Is that an expressed rivalry?
It signifies IL’s broad appeal. Rui Tavares should perhaps focus on idea presentation rather than setting rivalry targets, which serve as unintentional compliments to our standing.
Any closing message for voters?
Mobilize on May 18. Let’s utilize our democratic voting rights to instigate necessary national change.
