“We must continue as members of NATO and assert the sovereignty of the Lajes Base, continue cooperating with the U.S., and develop partnerships with the U.S. armed forces to ensure this area has security and defense that gives us peace, while also contributing to the economic and social development of the region,” stated the speaker, when questioned by journalists on the island of Terceira, in the Azores.
The speaker acknowledged a “geopolitical dimension” of “defense and security that is fundamental,” as well as an “economic and social dimension for the region, particularly for the island of Terceira.”
The speaker pledged that if elected, regional governments would have “a permanently open door in Belém,” with meetings held “as necessary rather than periodically.”
He suggested that the 50 years of autonomy “should be national celebrations,” as Portuguese democracy “has greatly benefited from the development and deepening of autonomies” as part of an achievement of April 25 that improved life for the Azoreans.
Addressing recent statements by candidate Marques Mendes on domestic violence, António José Seguro recalled his responsibilities in this area during the socialist government of António Guterres, where he acted as minister.
“I did not become aware of the fight against domestic violence today or during this election campaign,” he noted, emphasizing that he launched the national plan to combat domestic violence.
On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the candidate described domestic violence as a “scourge in Portuguese society,” pointing to a “significant indignity towards women, not only as the primary victims of domestic violence,” but also due to “an unacceptable wage inequality.”
“There are other situations that I thought would no longer occur in the 21st century, such as when a young woman is asked about her plans to become pregnant during a job interview,” he noted, highlighting this as an “unacceptable discrimination.”
António José Seguro also confirmed that he intends to consult the Council of State “whenever justified,” aiming to promote “open presidencies, closer to the people,” and ensuring his presence in the autonomous regions, because “people and Portuguese citizens need to feel that the president listens to them and understands their concerns.”
The candidate expressed his intent to bring these concerns “to those responsible for decision-making, namely the governments and the parties represented in parliament.”
