The PLS, a political party established in March of this year, has evaluated its electoral campaign positively, noting that it has helped introduce the party to a broader audience and present a set of measures divided into what it describes as five “paradigmatic” areas for the country.
José Cardoso, a key figure in the party, highlighted 12 significant measures, including a push for decentralization, a focus on education aimed at enhancing student competencies rather than rote memorization, and efforts to boost the economy’s added value by investing in industry, innovation, and science, instead of relying solely on tourism.
“We must collaborate more closely with universities on research centers where all parties involved can work together,” Cardoso emphasized during a visit to the peace courts in Odivelas, Lisbon district, as he spoke to the press.
The founder and president of the PLS expressed a lack of concern regarding the party’s results in the upcoming Sunday election, noting that many of the parties currently in the Portuguese Assembly took six to seven years to elect their first deputy.
Having left the Liberal Initiative (IL) in January 2024 and having previously run for the leadership of the liberals opposing Rui Rocha, José Cardoso is committed to forming a serious political project designed to last for decades.
When asked about the President of the Republic’s call for political stability, Cardoso remarked on the difficulty of making predictions but issued a warning:
“The country has changed significantly in recent times, and I am certain that the nation must adapt to this post-electoral process. Bipartisanship is in decline in Portugal,” he stated.
“Portugal must become accustomed to multipartisanship,” he added, noting that “in Europe, governments composed of two or three parties are common.”
Regarding a potential post-electoral agreement between AD (PSD/CDS-PP) and IL, José Cardoso chose not to comment, maintaining that, in his current role, his efforts will be focused on discussing ideas.
