O Major-General Isidro Morais Pereira announced on Thursday that he is considering a candidacy for the Presidency of the Republic.
In an interview, the military figure, who is well-known for his television commentary, admitted that he has been approached by “numerous” individuals on the matter.
He disclosed that a definitive decision will be made post-municipal elections, expressing no objection to receiving support from the Chega party. “Parties are part of democracy, and Chega should not be treated differently,” he stated.
Though he assured that no talks have occurred with Chega regarding this matter, it is reported that a meeting between Major-General and Chega is already scheduled for early July.
On Thursday, the presidential race was part of the political discourse, with Socialist António Vitorino, a potential center-left contender, announcing his withdrawal from candidacy. He advocated for a unified candidacy but did not rule out the possibility of another politician from the same political spectrum stepping forward.
This scenario potentially opens the door for not just one, but two individuals with military backgrounds to seek the presidency. Addressing this competition, Isidro Morais Pereira criticized Gouveia e Melo, asserting that the Portuguese “want a President with personality, a man who looks at others before himself” and is committed to public service. “I am not sure if Gouveia e Melo is the right man,” he remarked.
Who is already in the race for Belém?
Former Secretary-General António José Seguro announced his candidacy earlier this month, arguing that Portugal requires not only “stability” but also confidence, change, and “hope for a better life.”
As discussions around the two socialist figures dissipate, at least for now, the field becomes clearer regarding who will enter this spectrum.
Beyond the center-left, other candidates have declared their intentions to run for the Presidency, such as Henrique Gouveia e Melo, Luís Marques Mendes, and Joana Amaral Dias.
From the Liberal Initiative, Mariana Leitão also announced her candidacy but later withdrew “to focus on party leadership,” following Rui Rocha’s decision to step down from the role.
