Centrist politician Nuno Melo addressed journalists at the Palácio da Justiça in Porto after submitting the coalition AD’s candidate lists for the upcoming legislative elections scheduled for May, with the deadline closing today.
In response to the Socialist Party’s (PS) proposals for a future socialist government, Nuno Melo remarked that this marked an exception after weeks of criticism directed at Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.
“Yesterday [Sunday], for once, there was an exception. At the end of 40 days, they presented some ideas supposedly for Portugal. However, they are not particularly original, and considering their impact on public finances, they reflect what has often happened under the PS’s governance,” he stated.
He continued: “When today, during the campaign, promises of rewards are made, the next day we can be sure of accumulating debt.”
Emphasizing the efforts of the AD coalition to maintain commendable public finances, Nuno Melo highlighted that “accurate accounts are the hallmark of this country whenever this alliance governed.”
“I believe there hasn’t been a moment in Portuguese democratic history when the PSD and CDS were in government without addressing problems inherited from others. They consistently left behind sound finances for the future. This has also been the hallmark of these 11 months, balancing accounts while solving the issues faced by the Portuguese population,” he added.
When asked about the refusal by Livre’s spokesperson, Rui Tavares, to debate with him on televised debates, Nuno Melo began by noting that “a year ago, the issue was that the CDS had no deputies,” a situation now resolved in Parliament.
“If the issue is scale, I have no problem comparing with Rui Tavares. Currently, the CDS is part of three governments: the Azores, Madeira, and the Portuguese Republic. The CDS is the fourth largest municipal force in Portugal, with over 1,700 elected officials. The CDS has more local officials than Livre, Chega, PAN, and Iniciativa Liberal combined. The CDS governs six municipalities alone under its own lists and is present in the European Parliament. Therefore, if the issue is scale, compare the scale,” detailed the CDS president.
Assuring that he is not “embarrassed” to debate with Rui Tavares, he nonetheless acknowledged understanding why the Livre spokesperson might “be apprehensive” about doing so.
“I have no problem at all. It’s Rui Tavares’ issue. I will be there on the day to debate with anyone. And with great pleasure,” he concluded.
