In his inaugural speech as leader of the PS, following his unopposed candidacy to succeed Pedro Nuno Santos, Carneiro affirmed that the PS “fully assumes its responsibilities” and reiterated his readiness to “strengthen democratic consensus” in areas such as European and foreign policy, defense, security, and justice.
The new PS leader also positioned the party in opposition to Luís Montenegro’s government, promising a “loyal, responsible, firm, and energetic” opposition to the perceived threats posed by this administration across various domains.
“The PS will use all oversight tools to oppose measures that are wrong, unfair, unjustified, and ineffective,” he warned.
He made clear the socialists’ opposition to “the idea of students having to resort to bank loans to pay for their higher education,” promising an “oppositional role, presenting alternative proposals.”
When asked about any scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, Carneiro mentioned that the election for PS leader concluded today and that “it is only regular for dialogue with government parties to commence from now on.”
“We are an alternative opposition. There are many priorities that this government undervalues, which are essential,” he criticized in his speech, citing the economy, salaries, health, housing, and responses to young people as examples.
For the PS leader, “it is urgent for the SNS to improve,” criticizing that “with the AD no problem” has been solved, only exacerbated, after quick solution promises, which the PS warned were “illusory.”
José Luís Carneiro spoke tonight at the Largo do Rato, PS headquarters, in a room with slightly over a dozen people present, including party president Carlos César, representative José Leitão, and former deputy Paulo Pisco.
When questioned about the small number of people present, the new PS leader explained that no invitation was made for the militants to attend.
