Nuno Melo spoke before the social-democratic leader, Luís Montenegro, at the AD rally—PSD/CDS coalition in Vila Real, starting by emphasizing that “democracy and freedom are not guaranteed.”
He initially reflected on the November 25, 1975, operation to pay tribute to military figure Jaime Neves.
“This land witnessed the birth of someone crucial for the victory of democracy and freedom in Portugal. I want to tell you, 50 years later, that in this AD, our struggle remains stronger for democracy and freedom,” he declared.
Similar to previous speeches during this election campaign, Nuno Melo, the Defense Minister, argued that political contention in Portugal “is no longer between the right and the left, but between moderation and extremism.” This time, besides associating the left-wing politics with the PS of Pedro Nuno Santos, “the most extreme ever,” he also included Chega.
“Chega is a party that only destroys and divides by manipulating and inciting hate—which in politics, I consider absolutely unforgivable for a country aspiring to be supportive, united, and progressive,” stated Nuno Melo.
According to the Christian Democrat leader, Chega “claims to be right-wing, yet for 11 months, it was the first and foremost ally of the PS.”
“It claims to be right-wing, but in 15 months facilitated the downfall of three center-right governments in Portugal, achieved by collaborating hand in hand with the entire left,” he added, referencing the collapse of the mainland, Azores, and Madeira governments.
Nuno Melo further intensified his criticism of André Ventura’s party: “Let me be clear, it is a party that spreads absolutely disgraceful posters across Portugal defaming people and defaming political opponents.”
