“My position is crystal clear. […] If I become President of the Republic and Chega wins the [legislative] elections, naturally I will inaugurate a Chega government. That is what the Constitution mandates,” he stated to journalists before the second meeting of his candidacy’s political committee in Lisbon.
Luís Marques Mendes was responding to statements by André Ventura, who today claimed that his opponent in the presidential elections would not accept Chega forming a government.
“Before appointing a Chega leader, I might be required to demand a written document of constitutional guarantees if Chega’s electoral program includes grossly unconstitutional measures, such as the death penalty or life imprisonment,” admitted the former government official.
Marques Mendes pointed out that the President of the Republic is “the guarantor of the Constitution’s implementation and, therefore, must observe and enforce the Constitution.”
“I know that I am the only presidential candidate imposing this requirement. But I believe this demand is the minimum to ensure constitutional compliance. If [Chega] wins the elections, in accordance with the Constitution, they have the right to form a government,” he concluded.
The candidate also addressed healthcare, presenting three specific proposals, the first being “a pact” for the sector.
“I believe many people, from the right to the left, understand that a pact is necessary, especially concerning the organization and management of healthcare. Therefore, my suggestion is this: start discussing and negotiating the health pact quickly. The later it is, the worse. The sooner, the better,” he advocated.
“There is much talk about the lack of quality in the management of the National Health Service. […] I think the government and political parties should consider the possibility of health managers being recruited through public competition. Party apparatuses might not like this idea, but I believe the NHS could gain in professionalism and quality,” he noted.
According to Luís Marques Mendes, to have good managers, “you have to pay them reasonably well,” and for that “perhaps” a more competitive remuneration system for managers of large entities such as hospitals should be considered.
The presidential candidate supported by the PSD reiterated that “the government has been in office for a year and a half” and that “a year and a half is enough time to deliver results.”
“The country wants results and sees few results. Therefore, I have provided a set of concrete and tangible suggestions to start changing for better results. What the Portuguese want is better functioning healthcare. And this is the contribution I am giving. Resignations, no; solutions, yes,” he declared.
If elected, Marques Mendes intends to “bring the parties,” especially the government and opposition parties, “to consider the national interest.”
“The President of the Republic does not govern, but the President of the Republic can and should create areas of agreement. That is what I will do. That is my extensive experience. This is not arrogance, merely an observation: no other presidential candidate has more experience in making regime agreements than I do,” he emphasized.
“Thus, I will use this experience of bringing parties together for the country’s benefit. Healthcare is a good place to start,” he concluded.
The presidential elections are scheduled for January 18, 2026.
