The secretary-general of the Popular Monarchic Party (PPM), Paulo Estêvão, has announced a legal injunction concerning the “appropriation of intellectual property” related to the graphic design of the Democratic Alliance. Estêvão made this announcement during a visit to the Aljube Museum – Resistance and Freedom in Lisbon.
Paulo Estêvão emphasized that the design carries “political and identity significance” and belongs to three political parties: the Social Democratic Party (PSD), the Democratic Social Center (CDS), and the PPM. He noted that the original design dates back to 1979 and claimed that the current design in use “is almost identical.”
“There are few changes,” he added, describing the use as “abusive and illegitimate.”
Estêvão expressed concern that a segment of their electorate might vote for the Democratic Alliance (AD), mistakenly believing it to be the original. This, he stressed, is their key argument: that the design, while not identical, is very similar to that used in previous elections.
The PPM has been challenging the Constitutional Court’s (TC) decision, which allows the name of the coalition between PSD and CDS to be “AD – Coligação PSD/CDS-PP.” This led the PPM to file a revision request regarding this decision. The party has indicated it may escalate the matter to the European Court of Human Rights if a favorable decision is not reached.
When questioned about the possibility of a decision regarding the injunction before the anticipated May 18 legislative elections, Estêvão was clear: “The law stipulates a five-day period. Therefore, we anticipate a decision within the legal timeframe, considering the urgency of the matter. The decision would only be useful if made before the election.”
In comments to the news agency Lusa, the PPM’s secretary-general also expressed frustration with the challenges the party faces in gaining media coverage during these elections, which hampers their ability to “present their ideas.” As a result, Estêvão and Gonçalo da Câmara Pereira plan to establish an association named “Liberty and Democracy Association.”
Expected to be registered “in the coming days” and based in Serpa, this association aims to “launch a movement” that unites parties from across the political spectrum in defense of a “democratic and free society.”
Estêvão mentioned that the association’s funding “should not come from state sources, to maintain independence,” and would instead rely on “fundraising from various members and their leaders.”
“We hope to lay the groundwork for discussion and register the association swiftly so it can be established in time for upcoming local elections,” he added.
Estêvão cited the struggle for greater pluralism as a motivating factor for organizing a campaign event at the Aljube Museum – Resistance and Freedom. He lamented the difficulty non-establishment parties face in having their voices heard, pointing to the constitutional principle that “all candidates should be given equal opportunities.”
