In an interview, António José Seguro stated that there was no ongoing consideration for his candidacy when former PS leader Pedro Nuno Santos named him among “good names” for the presidential candidacy in early October 2024, despite having received various incentives over the years to run.
“I believe that [Pedro Nuno Santos’ statement] was much more decisive in making some people come forward to say they supported me, encouraging me to run, and perhaps some who had never considered the possibility of me being a candidate for the Presidency of the Republic”, he remarked, acknowledging the importance of the statement.
The presidential candidate mentioned that the first time he truly considered running was “around the month of October”, attributing his decision to “the state of the country”.
Regarding PS’s support for his candidacy, recently approved by the National Socialist Commission, Seguro dismisses any discomfort and expresses “satisfaction and honor”, recalling that over 50 years, his party supported Mário Soares, Jorge Sampaio, and Manuel Alegre.
“My candidacy is independent, open to all democrats, progressives, and humanists. It has a structure in which people from various backgrounds participate equally, contributing in different ways. Some through work, others with ideas, and some with financial support”, he noted, when asked how PS’s support will materialize.
According to the former PS leader, the nature of his candidacy “will not change due to any other support, whether individual or organizational”, explaining his desire to “be an inclusive president and set that tone in the candidacy”.
As for any logistical or financial support he might receive from the party he once led, Seguro referred those questions to the PS and mentioned no scheduled meetings with the Socialist leadership.
“We have our campaign structures, so we have no right of reservation for entry nor any requirement. This is not a candidacy that has an admission reserve,” he stated.
Regarding a potential negative impact of PS’s support following poor legislative and local election results, the presidential candidate said he welcomes “all support with open arms”.
“If I want to be a president for all Portuguese people, would I now select support just because this one suits or that one doesn’t? I have already said that the support of a major Portuguese political party is a source of satisfaction and pride given their 50-year history”, he reiterated.
Speaking about the timing of the support, four months after his announcement, Seguro downplays it and respects the “action and timings of the parties”.
“[The PS] chose when they deemed fit, spoke when they deemed fit, and to me these are perfectly normal situations. Only those with a dramatic or conspiratorial view of political life would attribute such characteristics to these moments,” he stated.
