Luís Montenegro responded to a journalist’s question at the conclusion of a brisk 15-minute tour through the center of Chaves, seizing a brief respite from the heavy rain in this northeastern Portuguese region.
Inquired about his party’s decision to nominate the Minister of Health as the leading candidate for the AD — PSD/CDS coalition in the Vila Real district, one of two in Trás-os-Montes, Montenegro described Ana Paula Martins as “a highly qualified individual.”
“It clearly demonstrates how much we value all districts, and specifically this region,” he asserted.
At the end of the street event, with drums and accordions leading the procession, the PSD president delivered a brief message of encouragement to his supporters, addressing the final days of the ongoing electoral campaign.
“Thank you, Chaves, thank you, Vila Real, not even the rain can stop us. We will work until Sunday to secure a great victory in Portugal and also in the Vila Real district,” he stated.
In the 2024 legislative elections, the AD won in the Vila Real district with 39.33% of the votes but elected the same two deputies as the PS, which finished second with 29.2%. Chega, with 17.11% of the votes, secured one of the five deputies in this district.
During his brief visit to Chaves, accompanied by CDS President Nuno Melo and Minister Ana Paula Martins, the PSD leader visited several local shops, often greeting the business owners.
In one instance, he engaged in a more detailed conversation regarding the impact of tourism in Portugal’s interior regions, such as the route of the old National Road 2.
“When I was the parliamentary leader of the PSD in 2012 or 2013, we had two parliamentary colleagues, one from the CDS and another from the PSD, who completed this journey by bicycle. It later gained significant visibility, and the tourist flow has since increased, which is beneficial for boosting the economy and fostering territorial cohesion,” he remarked.
The AD leader concludes today’s campaign activities this evening with community engagements in Vila Real, followed by a rally.
