Jorge Pinto has directly appealed to disenchanted Socialist voters, offering his candidacy as an alternative in the presidential elections on January 18. He emphasized the availability of other left-wing alternatives amid doubts about the party’s official support for António José Seguro.
Confident of winning support from socialists seeking a genuine candidate, Pinto has called upon these voters to reconsider their stance. When questioned about potential right-wing voter support, he affirmed the importance of engaging all citizens while maintaining his identity.
Pinto also seeks to connect with voters drawn to far-right, anti-system, and anti-democratic rhetoric, offering them hope for a positive change without undermining existing achievements. He stressed this during discussions about a possible second-round endorsement, stating he would support any candidate opposing the right-wing Chega party leader, André Ventura, whom he cannot envision as a suitable President.
Expressing his belief in becoming an electoral surprise if the media provides sufficient coverage, Pinto remains committed to principled political stances, irrespective of election outcomes. He highlighted constitutional powers concerning government formation, emphasizing stability and democracy over extremist positions.
Reflecting on parliamentary dissolution and elections, Pinto outlined conditions for such actions, including any drastic constitutional revisions potentially altering the semi-presidential system or compromising freedoms, rights, worker or environmental protections.
He stressed the President’s role as a democratic balance and advocated for inclusive political participation in constitutional changes, irrespective of ideological origins, proposing “citizen assemblies” for public engagement on critical issues like regionalization.
At 38, Jorge Pinto, a relatively new political figure with two years as a deputy, sees his age and experience as advantageous. He referenced youthful precedent in leadership roles to counter potential criticism of his candidacy, aiming to introduce a fresh, diverse presence in the political landscape.
