During a visit to Lisnave in Setúbal, Rui Rocha was asked by journalists if his demands on Luís Montenegro have softened since the legislative elections were called. Back in February, Rocha had stated that Montenegro needed to divest from Spinumviva if he wished to continue as Prime Minister.
“As I’ve mentioned, when the appropriate circumstances arise, I will clarify everything that needs to be clarified. I will be very demanding,” responded Rocha. Pressed for his current stance on the issue, he declined to comment further, stating it was not his responsibility to address it at this time.
“At the moment, elections are upcoming, and it’s up to the Prime Minister to provide any explanations he deems necessary to the public. The Portuguese people will make their judgment. When the time is right, I will demand the necessary explanations,” he assured.
Rocha’s statements came as Pedro Nuno Santos, secretary-general of the PS, criticized him for dropping the demands he had made to Montenegro in February, including apologizing to the Portuguese, providing clarifications, and divesting from Spinumviva.
The leader of IL noted that the situation now is “completely different,” but emphasized that IL remains “demanding at all times.”
“Pedro Nuno Santos has no moral authority to critique anyone for changing their stance. Consider this: there was a €500,000 indemnity decision made via WhatsApp. One day, Santos claimed it didn’t exist, and the next, it did. He eventually resigned from the government because of his lack of credibility,” Rocha argued.
Asked how his approach to Montenegro might change if a post-electoral agreement with AD is reached, Rocha said, “We will be very demanding regarding the programmatic conditions for change in the country.”
“Credibility conditions are also crucial for executing a program that must differ from the current one. We are here to ensure that, as we have consistently stated,” he remarked.
Rocha urged voters to support IL, characterizing it as “the different vote that changes the country.” When questioned about setting a concrete electoral target, he reiterated his goal: “growth, growth, growth.”
As for which ministerial post he might aspire to, Rocha stated it was “not a topic for now,” but emphasized that IL is a “governing party, but one that governs to make a difference.”
“For doing more of the same, don’t count on us. We want to make a difference, which is integral to our identity. We are a responsible, governing party, aimed at propelling the country forward,” he stated.
Regarding the involvement of Luís Montenegro’s son in the campaign, Rocha chose not to comment, stressing that he is focused on a “political campaign.”
“I am indifferent to who is involved in other parties’ campaigns, especially concerning family relationships. That’s not my campaign focus. I’m running a campaign for the Portuguese, with concrete, positive measures, driven by energy and courage,” he stated.
