The former MEP Ana Gomes commented on Tuesday on the national political situation, ranging from the incident where presidential candidate Henrique Gouveia e Melo was insulted to the importance of collaborating with a minority government.
With state reform still a hot topic—recently gaining prominence with the establishment of a new ministry—Ana Gomes stated, “The state needs to strengthen itself where we need it most. Many areas require attention. One of the most critical in the short term is investment in Defense.”
In an appearance on SIC Notícias, the socialist was also questioned about potential agreements between the Social Democratic Party and the Socialist Party (PS), for which José Luís Carneiro, a candidate for the leadership of the socialists, has shown willingness.
“It is a way to enable governing the country. No state reform—no matter how prioritized—is achievable with a minority government if it cannot forge understandings with other parties,” she argued, highlighting that the proposed agreements “are in the interest of the entire country and quite consensual,” particularly referring to Defense.
“It is an area requiring consensus in control mechanisms and transparency. It is a field known for past significant corruption. We all have been victims. This cannot happen again with necessary Defense investments,” she stated.
From “polarization” to insults directed at Gouveia e Melo
Ana Gomes also emphasized the need for a reindustrialization strategy for the Portuguese state, as well as an economic development strategy, which requires “not only creating wealth but also destroying it.”
The socialist recalled a speech by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, noting that he mentioned the necessity of caring for the country, given the polarized situation.
She exemplified: “As we saw today, in the ceremony where Admiral Gouveia e Melo tried to gain recognition but, apparently, faced insults from infiltrators among veterans, certainly individuals linked to the far-right. This episode’s polarization results from neglecting not only wealth generation but its just distribution.”
Henrique Gouveia e Melo participated in a June 10 ceremony to honor veterans, where he was met with shouts of betrayal and racist insults due to the presence of the imam of Lisbon.
