After months of suspense regarding the now-confirmed candidates – and those who have opted out – the race for Belém is becoming more prominent with the announcement of another presidential candidate this Sunday: António Filipe.
António Filipe was selected “unanimously” by the Central Committee of the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) to enter the race for Belém.
The announcement was made in Lisbon by the party’s secretary-general, Paulo Raimundo, who described the communist candidate as “a unifying figure for all who uphold the Constitution, irrespective of their political and party opinions.”
António Filipe now joins the candidates, during a week that has seen the Left’s influence grow, with more names potentially joining the fray.
The communist and former vice-president of the Assembly of the Republic has joined the race for Belém, scheduled for January next year. His candidacy further bolsters the Left’s presence in the presidential elections.
Teresa Banha with Lusa | 17:04 – 29/06/2025
Is the Left Heading for Belém?
This week, António Vitorino, a potential candidate, announced he was stepping out of the race for Belém, citing that his potential candidacy “did not achieve consensus for a singular candidacy,” which the socialist believed should be the case: “I will not present myself as a candidate. I have consistently stated that there should only be one candidate in this political area [center-left].”
Socialist António Vitorino advocated for a unified center-left candidacy but suggested much time remained, indicating António José Seguro might not be the only candidate from this spectrum to step forward.
Teresa Banha | 22:23 – 26/06/2025
Earlier this month, former Socialist Party (PS) secretary-general António José Seguro, another potential center-left candidate, confirmed his bid for the Presidency of the Republic. “I have decided and announce today, a day marking the beginning of a new legislature demanding much from us all: I am a candidate for President of the Republic,” he stated on June 3, noting that Portugal needs not only stability but also “confidence.”
Socialist António José Seguro stated that Portugal requires not only stability but also “confidence.”
Notícias ao Minuto | 19:57 – 03/06/2025
Reacting to Vitorino’s revelation of not entering the race, António José Seguro made comments on Saturday expressing “satisfaction” with the decision.
“I received Dr. António Vitorino’s decision with satisfaction as it contributes to the unity of the Democratic space and this project, which is a project of progress, humanism, and the affirmation of human values,” he justified.
Presidential candidate António José Seguro expressed today his “satisfaction” with former European Commissioner António Vitorino’s decision not to run in next year’s presidential elections.
Lusa | 20:57 – 28/06/2025
Reflecting on the moment Vitorino announced his withdrawal, the former European Commissioner for Justice and Home Affairs may have made a prediction that could soon materialize. Despite advocating for a single center-left candidacy, Vitorino stated: “My not entering the race does not mean there will be only one [candidacy]. We are seven months away from the election.”
This scenario may indeed unfold soon, as Augusto Santos Silva, a former minister and ex-president of the Assembly of the Republic, announced that on Wednesday, July 2, he will reveal whether or not he is running for Belém.
The Socialist argues that “the three candidacies formally presented thus far do not exhaust the political space or the proposals and profiles that should be represented in the presidential elections next January.”
Tomásia Sousa with Lusa | 15:26 – 27/06/2025
Noting that “the three candidacies formally presented so far do not exhaust the political space or the proposals and profiles that should be represented in the January presidential elections” – and regretting Vitorino’s decision to stay out – Santos Silva revealed he intends to consult individuals whose opinions he greatly values: “If everything proceeds normally, considering my professional engagements, I plan to publicly announce my decision next Wednesday, July 2.”
With the considerations and decisions of the socialists, and now António Filipe’s announcement regarding his candidacy for Belém, the Left stands out among the candidates who have thus far come forward to succeed Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
Who Are the Candidates So Far?
Heading toward the Palácio de Belém are other candidates such as Henrique Gouveia e Melo, Luís Marques Mendes, and Joana Amaral Dias [in addition to the previously mentioned socialist António José Seguro].
Presidential candidate Joana Amaral Dias today launched her campaign for Belém with attacks on Gouveia e Melo, whom she labeled “the worst of the system,” and described the elections as “a battle for the nation.”
Lusa | 22:04 – 10/06/2025
From the Liberal Initiative, Mariana Leitão announced a bid for Belém, which she later withdrew to seek the party’s leadership (following Rui Rocha’s departure).
Leia Também: Belém? “Recebi com satisfação a decisão do doutor António Vitorino”
