“As if there were already few candidates willing to tear up the Constitution, another one appears,” stated Paulo Raimundo, when questioned about the announcement made this afternoon by André Ventura.
“Another one who not only tears it up but also spits on it, using heavy artillery, lies, and demagoguery,” he accused, considering that there are now “increased reasons to strengthen and support António Filipe,” the communist candidate for President of the Republic.
The communist secretary-general was speaking to journalists in Funchal after a public session organized by the Democratic Unity Coalition (PCP/PEV) at the University of Madeira’s rectorate, focusing on the municipal elections of October 12.
Regarding the meetings of Chega and IL with Prime Minister Luís Montenegro on Wednesday, and with the PS on Thursday, concerning the State Budget for 2026, Paulo Raimundo denied that the PCP had been “left out” and assured that “it will participate in all meetings the government deems fit.”
“We are not left out. We do not foster illusions; if the PS and Chega are competing, elbowing each other to see who is the government’s favourite to discuss a budget that will be negative, a budget in line with the government’s program, that’s something the PS and Chega will have to explain afterwards,” he pointed out.
The communist leader also expressed he has “no illusions” about Luís Montenegro’s opinions, whom he accused of being “deeply aligned with the PS and Chega,” recognizing that there are “very few bridges” between the PCP and the head of government.
“Luís Montenegro wants to tighten the lives of the majority, look at the labor package being discussed. More precariousness, more deregulation of hours, dismissals for just cause; this is what’s in Luís Montenegro’s mind, we do not want that,” he emphasized.
