Porto Mayor Rui Moreira, who has served since 2013 with independent electoral support, articulated his support for the presidential candidacy of Luís Marques Mendes during an address as the national campaign representative in Lisbon.
Moreira stated, “Marques Mendes’ candidacy does not ride the wave of anti-system sentiment; rather, it values democracy and the rule of law. It does not demonize politics and politicians but acknowledges dedication to the common good. It does not thrive on social resentment but instead offers a better future for the Portuguese people,” before concluding, “That’s why I fully identify with this candidacy and will do everything I can to secure the preference of the Portuguese.”
As the national representative for Marques Mendes, Moreira expressed his belief in contributing “experience, knowledge, commitment, and conviction to the candidacy.”
He explained, “My personal and political trajectory ensures loyalty to the foundational principles of this candidacy. Otherwise, I wouldn’t stand as its national representative. I’m here today believing that my public reputation, the values I espouse, and the causes I support are consistent with Marques Mendes’ presidential project.”
In his speech, Moreira highlighted that Marques Mendes’ candidacy “is ideologically clear with the backing of his long-standing party, the PSD, but it is rooted in a definitive and conclusive programmatic base.”
He remarked, “This programmatic base sets principles and objectives: establishes directions and strategies, and creates expectations and commitments.”
In this context, the outgoing mayor of Porto emphasized his lifelong independence, stressing he never attacked the system or sought to place himself outside it.
“I do not reject political parties nor see myself as above partisan politics. I recognize the fundamental role of parties in liberal democracy as representatives of the people’s will and as instruments of political power organization,” he commented, before cautioning about what other presidential candidates represent.
“I am always apprehensive of those who, wanting to be in politics, claim to be apolitical or anti-partisan. In contrast, Marques Mendes does not disown his extensive career as a government official, party leader, and political commentator. We know who he is and how he thinks, and his convictions are not a limitation or constraint. They are, instead, a starting point to engage citizens around a serious and credible presidential project,” he countered.
From Moreira’s perspective, Marques Mendes “encompasses a wide political-ideological spectrum, though, it’s important to note, not a candidate stripped of politics or willing to compromise on principles.”
“I recognized that Marques Mendes leads a broad-based presidential project. His candidacy addresses the different concerns, interests, and expectations of the Portuguese people. His candidacy neither detracts nor excludes, considering all citizens equally,” he added.
