“Obviously, I didn’t enter this campaign not to try to reach the second round,” stated João Cotrim de Figueiredo as he addressed journalists in Peniche, Leiria district, before participating in the Campus da Liberdade 2025 event organized by Instituto +Liberdade.
The candidate expressed his intent to stand out from other campaigners, emphasizing his unique approach and capability to attract supporters. “I don’t want to seem like a lunatic appearing with single-digit numbers, believing I’ll easily reach the second round,” he mentioned. During his speech, which included answering questions from young attendees for half an hour, he reiterated, “I’m going to the second round, and it’s to clear that out.”
Cotrim de Figueiredo, who is also a Member of the European Parliament, justified his candidacy by declaring the inadequacy of his opponents. He identified his “natural voters” as those advocating for a more modern, innovative, and less stagnant country. He remarked, “Countries that fail to change and adopt this stance will face difficulties in the future.”
When assessing his competitors in the presidential race, he criticized their lack of vision for a dynamic and risk-embracing future. The IL MEP contended that constitutional revision was necessary to simplify and reduce its scope, granting policy-making freedom to current majorities.
Regarding presidential powers, Cotrim supported the introduction of non-overturnable vetoes by parliament, albeit sparingly. He argued the importance of a President having robust political convictions without using them to serve as a counterforce to the government, as not anticipated by the constitution.
Despite his liberal stance, the candidate asserted his ability to work alongside governments of different political colors, provided they uphold their electoral commitments. He clarified that non-compliance wouldn’t lead to dissolving the Assembly of the Republic, addressing questions about collaborating with a government that includes Chega. Cotrim clarified, “The President appoints the leader of the most voted party, who must form a majority,” and emphasized the necessity of respecting parliamentary will, irrespective of personal preferences.
He further advocated for expanded diplomatic and commercial relations internationally, including with the CPLP, asserting that a wealthier and more influential Portugal could better impact these member countries.
