During a speech at the inauguration of his campaign headquarters in Lisbon, Luís Marques Mendes articulated his intention to run for President of Portugal, citing experience, independence, and consensus-building as key attributes for addressing national issues. “Consensus for a simple reason: it’s what we’ve been missing in Portugal. We need to unite, not divide. Someone who builds consensus is not weak; they are a patriot. Someone who reaches agreements is a courageous person because it involves putting national interest first,” Marques Mendes stated.
The presidential candidate, endorsed by the PSD and CDS-PP, made these remarks following a televised debate against André Ventura, who accused him of being a “government puppet” and “the candidate of the elites.”
Marques Mendes emphasized that, if elected President, he aims to use his experience, independence, and consensus-building skills to prevent crises and solve people’s problems. “When I talk about the need for stability, it’s for the people, especially the most fragile and vulnerable. When I speak of national ambition, it’s to elevate the country: in the economy, socially, technologically, in innovation, and artificial intelligence,” he said.
In this speech, attended by personalities from the PSD and, for the first time, CDS-PP members including the party’s secretary-general Pedro Morais Soares, Marques Mendes expressed his intention to run a campaign focused positively on concrete ideas and proposals within presidential powers.
“A positive campaign because it’s not my nature, and I believe it’s not what the country needs, to run a campaign of personal attacks, defamation, or slander. No, it must be a positive campaign,” he remarked.
The presidential candidate also highlighted his intention to present proposals in his campaign, not to “promise the impossible” or matters that fall under the parliament or government’s jurisdiction, but strictly within presidential limits.
On this note, Marques Mendes recalled a proposal he announced during the televised debate with André Ventura, dedicating his first Council of State meeting to judicial reform and combating corruption, while praising the establishment of an Anti-Fraud Commission for the SNS, described in a resolution published today in the Official Gazette and to be headed by a magistrate.
“If confirmed, I believe it’s a move in the right direction. Combating fraud is crucial. Having someone competent and independent for the future is even more critical. We cannot generalize, but every specific case of fraud or corruption must be addressed to avoid any temptation of generalization,” he commented.
Marques Mendes contended that regarding fraud, two aspects exist: “The negative side: fraud is completely unacceptable. The positive side: the state functions because it detects, investigates, and prosecutes criminals.”
The candidate indicated that this “constructive spirit” motivates his campaign before urging his audience, including his Lisbon campaign manager Eduardo Barroso, to approach the upcoming months with energy and “a sense of unity.”
“I want to help unite, not divide. Therefore, I count on everyone: those who support me, those who don’t, those who vote for me or against me. All are Portuguese, all deserve the same respect,” he declared.
