“Thank you all, thank you Viana. We will continue to the end, striving for a greater majority, ensuring no one stays home, mobilizing everyone, until Sunday. Long live Portugal!” declared Luís Montenegro, standing atop a flower pot, which almost tipped over as he climbed, flashing a V for victory.
The traditional parade in Viana commenced with the sound of a traditional “vira minhoto” dance, as Montenegro was joined by the head of the AD – PSD/CDS-PP Coalition list and the President of the Assembly of the Republic, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco. Later, Paulo Morais, a candidate for the PSD in the upcoming municipal elections, also joined the group.
The Prime Minister paused with Aguiar-Branco to listen to the “vira” and afterwards greeted the singers, with one of them playfully challenging him, “Aren’t we going to dance?”
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Notícias ao Minuto | 09:15 – 10/05/2025
“Not at all,” he replied cheerfully.
Montenegro posed with traditionally dressed locals, toasted with white wine, and tasted “bola de carne,” engaging with people, shopkeepers, and many children who frequently requested selfies with him.
Most people wanting to greet him expressed admiration for the Prime Minister. One veteran thanked him for discounts on medications, though there were also those less fond of the AD, whom he urged to reconsider in the final week.
“I have always been a socialist,” confessed a woman, to which Montenegro suggested, “Close your eyes and place the cross elsewhere.”
Though unconvinced, she admitted, “But for me, I think you’re the one who’s going to win.”
There were also complaints about the poorly parked cars of the AD entourage: “It’s unbelievable this example set by the Prime Minister,” remarked a disgruntled woman.
In Viana, there was a stop at the renowned Manuel Natário pastry shop. Despite restricted media access, Montenegro apologized for any inconvenience and offered his pastry to a woman who asked him to “pay for a little pastry.”
Along the narrow street in Viana do Castelo, customarily used for PSD gatherings, Montenegro ascended a balcony alongside Aguiar-Branco, Paulo Morais, and CDS-PP leader Nuno Melo. From there, he waved to supporters and led the traditional campaign anthem, urging, “let Luís work.”
Journalists attempted to question Paulo Morais — president and founder of Frente Cívica, known for addressing corruption issues — on whether ethical concerns were at stake in these elections, but the candidate entered the balcony with the AD leader without responding.
The 40-minute street engagement concluded with Luís Montenegro carried on the shoulders of AD youth members, a gesture repeated in other towns.
“Luís, our friend, Viana is with you,” was a frequently heard chant, to which the PSD leader replied, “And I am with Viana!”
In Viana do Castelo, the AD coalition emerged victorious in the 2024 legislative elections, securing two of the five deputies from this constituency, followed by PS also with two and Chega with one.
