The debate over a potential alliance between Portugal’s Social Democrats (PSD) and the Socialist Party (PS) has taken center stage following recent statements by prominent political figures. Former advisor to Pedro Passos Coelho, Miguel Morgado, expressed on Sunday in an interview with Público that such an agreement would pose a danger to the PSD. In contrast, former PSD leader Manuela Ferreira Leite argued for the necessity of such collaboration to prevent a potential post-election gridlock during an interview with radio Observador on Monday.
Reacting to these differing opinions, Rui Rocha, the leader of the Liberal Initiative (IL), has challenged Montenegro to clarify the PSD’s stance. “Miguel Morgado says an agreement with the PS is undesirable. Ferreira Leite says the PSD should promote this understanding. I challenge Montenegro to clarify. The Portuguese cannot go to elections not knowing if the PSD is willing to join forces with the PS,” Rui Rocha stated on X (formerly Twitter).
Regarding potential agreements with the IL, former PSD deputy Miguel Morgado noted there is ample opportunity and even a “more or less informal political understanding” that requires only time to materialize.
Miguel Morgado diz que entendimento com PS é indesejável.
Ferreira Leite diz que PSD deve promover esse entendimento.
Desafio Montenegro a esclarecer. Os portugueses não podem chegar a eleições sem saber se o PSD admite atirar-se para os braços do PS.
— Rui Rocha (@ruirochaliberal) March 31, 2025
Meanwhile, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, in an address to the nation, announced that early legislative elections will take place on May 18. This decision follows the political crisis that led to the resignation of the PSD/CDS-PP government after its confidence motion was rejected in Parliament.
