“Rita and Renato are two young people available to help others. Democrats, humanists, progressives. Humanism is a hallmark of our candidacy. I chose individuals who have made a difference in the lives of others. They exemplify young people with convictions and ideas that ensure the future of our country,” stated the former PS leader and socialist-backed candidate in a note issued to Lusa.
According to the provided information, Rita Saias, aged 32, was the president of the National Youth Council and is currently a consultant to the President of the Republic’s Civil House on youth issues, intergenerational dialogue, and active aging.
“She has extensive experience in non-governmental and intergovernmental organizations such as Intercultura AFS Portugal and UNICEF. She holds a master’s degree in Leadership Governance and Democracy Studies from the Universidade Católica and is a ‘fellow’ of the German Marshall Fund,” the note adds.
Meanwhile, Renato Daniel, aged 25, was the president of the Academic Association of Coimbra and is the founder of the Portuguese Brain Cancer Association, collaborating “with various international entities in the field of health policies and brain tumors.”
Currently, as the note states, he also serves as the deputy director of the football club Académica OAF.
“His career always demonstrates a firm commitment to youth, health, and public service,” the candidacy highlights.
The presidential elections are scheduled for January 18, 2026.
This will be the 12th time (including the two rounds of the 1986 elections) that Portuguese citizens have been called upon to elect the President of the Republic in a democratic setting since 1976.
Among others, António Filipe (supported by the PCP), António José Seguro (supported by the PS), André Ventura (supported by Chega), Catarina Martins (supported by BE), Henrique Gouveia e Melo, João Cotrim Figueiredo (supported by the Liberal Initiative), Jorge Pinto (supported by Livre), and Luís Marques Mendes (supported by PSD and CDS-PP) have announced their presidential candidacies.
According to the candidacy portal of the Ministry of Internal Administration, an additional 31 citizens are currently collecting signatures for a presidential candidacy.
