Member of the European Parliament João Cotrim Figueiredo from Iniciativa Liberal (IL) and Jorge Pinto from Livre are set to face off in Monday’s presidential election debate series.
Other candidates in the race for Belém include António Filipe (supported by the PCP), António José Seguro (supported by the PS), André Ventura (supported by Chega), Catarina Martins (supported by the BE), Henrique Gouveia e Melo, and Luís Marques Mendes (supported by the PSD).
Additionally, 31 other citizens are gathering signatures to run for the presidency, according to the candidacy portal of the Ministry of Internal Administration.
The presidential elections are scheduled for January 18, 2026. This marks the 12th time, including both rounds of the 1986 elections, that Portuguese citizens will choose the President of the Republic in a democratic process since 1976.
Daniela Filipe
1 minute ago
Jorge Pinto remarked that the possibility of withdrawing from the race “is a matter of yesterday,” emphasizing that he is in the debate “to discuss tomorrow’s issues.”
“I bring a different approach to politics,” he assured.
The candidate supported by Livre also lamented that his words had been misinterpreted.
Daniela Filipe
2 hours ago
Good evening! We begin the LIVE coverage of the debate between João Cotrim Figueiredo and Jorge Pinto for the 2026 presidential elections.
