Political scientist José Adelino Maltez stated that the decision by the President of the European Council, António Costa, to abstain from participating in the Socialist Party (PS) campaign “makes sense,” considering his international position. He also dismissed concerns that PS Secretary-General Pedro Nuno Santos might suffer due to Costa’s absence.
“In line with his function, [António Costa] can participate in European party meetings but should not, and does not think he should, participate in national meetings, especially during campaigns,” said José Adelino Maltez.
Maltez further indicated that, in his perspective, Pedro Nuno Santos remains unaffected since “to this day, there has been no [issue] suggesting any political divergence between him and António Costa.”
“Both [António Costa] and António Guterres have international roles. The same can be said for António Guterres,” he illustrated.
It is noteworthy that an official source from António Costa’s office informed that five months ago, upon taking the role as leader of the institution comprising the EU’s heads of state and government, the socialist “set a rule to respect his duty of neutrality concerning the political life of the member states, not to participate in any national political party activities.”
“For this reason, the President of the European Council has not and will not participate in any Portuguese electoral campaign events,” explained the same source.
Nevertheless, the former Prime Minister will cast his vote in Lisbon on election day, May 18.
Lusa | 15:40 – 07/05/2025
The source further elaborated that in recent months, António Costa has also “declined several invitations to participate in party events in countries like Germany, Italy, Spain, and Portugal.”
It is essential to note that, according to the EU treaties, the President of the European Council has no role at the national level. However, while this does not prevent the exercise of rights such as freedom of expression, it must not conflict with his duties as President of the European Council.
