The presidential candidate Luís Marques Mendes was interviewed on Monday by CNN Portugal, focusing on the preliminary report concerning the Elevador da Glória tragedy, which heavily criticizes Carris. Immigration, international conflicts, and relations with the United States were also discussed.
Questioned about whether the report from the Office of Prevention and Investigation of Aircraft and Rail Accidents absolves the re-elected Mayor of Lisbon, Carlos Moedas, who stated that the tragedy was due to technical rather than political causes, Marques Mendes stressed that the findings were preliminary and preferred to await the final report.
“Being a preliminary report, caution is needed. I prefer to wait for the definitive report. My hope is for a very clear final report on the causes of this brutal accident and on necessary measures,” he stated, noting that there is no reason for delays in finding the truth.
Regarding the issue, Marques Mendes pointed out the significant responsibilities of Carris, stating, “In an accident this severe, with such fatalities, there can be no impunity, there needs to be clarity and very concrete causes.”
Concluding this topic, he was clear that there will be accountability, asserting that “a scenario of impunity or whitewashing the events cannot and will not occur. It was a nightmare, a tragedy. No Portuguese will accept it.”
Marques Mendes also discussed international matters concerning the war in Ukraine and the Middle East, expressing hope for better days and peace: “Those with a positive outlook, like me, see challenges but do not lose hope.” He stated that Russia has imperial ambitions and outlined the importance of decisions made in Kyiv for Europe’s future, mentioning defense spending increases aimed at reaching the 5% of GDP target, as a collective effort is required.
“Citizens of southern countries like Portugal may see threats as distant, but policymakers must explain that a threat exists and affects everyone. Hence, increased defense spending must be for all of Europe, bearing in mind NATO’s Article 5: one for all and all for one, fostering solidarity,” he advocated.
The presidential candidate emphasized that Europe must spend more and wisely, with a NATO strategy guiding national investments. “It’s necessary to spend more, spend better, and spend European,” he said.
Regarding the alliance with the U.S., Marques Mendes emphasized its importance despite friction, referencing the incident at Lajes Base involving U.S. aircraft. “In private, the issue would be addressed. If President, this would be a matter for discussion between the President and Prime Minister,” he noted, highlighting that handling foreign policy is the government’s task.
He summarized that the strong and longstanding alliance with Washington must endure despite upheavals. “Presidents come and go, but nations remain. The transatlantic relationship will survive these challenges, essential for Europe and the world.”
Marques Mendes criticized the humanitarian flotilla initiative involving four Portuguese, including BE leader Mariana Mortágua, calling it “hypocritical.” He dismissed suggestions that its purpose was to increase visibility for Gaza, a region already receiving media coverage.
When asked if this situation affected BE’s results, he refrained from comment, stating, “I am restrained in my use of words. Commenting on election results is a commentator’s role, not mine as a candidate or future President.”
Marques Mendes also discussed the Foreigners Law, recently promulgated by President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa after revisions. “Institutions worked. The government approved, Parliament voted, the President referred it to the Constitutional Court, and the Assembly amended it. This functioning of institutions deserves applause,” he noted, crediting Jorge Sampaio for his foresight on immigration and denying any left-leaning tactics in his approach.
According to the latest Pitagórica poll for TVI, CNN Portugal, TSF, JN, and O JOGO, Henrique Gouveia e Melo remains the favorite presidential candidate, but the small gap between him and Luís Marques Mendes indicates a technical tie. Antonio José Seguro follows with 18.4%, and André Ventura with 13.9%. Below 10% are João Cotrim de Figueiredo (9.1%), Rui Tavares (2.9%), António Filipe (2.5%), and Catarina Martins (1.9%).
