During a speech that lasted around 40 minutes, Rui Tavares expressed both satisfaction at increasing parliamentary representation and dissatisfaction due to the right’s victory, the far-right’s growth, and the left’s defeat.
Rui Tavares emphasized that Livre will serve as a “very strong and vigorous” opposition to the right, addressing what he described as Portugal’s most challenging period since April 25th in defending the Constitution and rights.
“Many of the rights we have achieved are at risk,” he stated.
In a critique directed at the right, reminiscent of the electoral campaign’s tone, Rui Tavares warned of constitutional revisions necessitating strong opposition.
The Livre leader mentioned that Luís Montenegro, who emerged victorious in Sunday’s legislative elections, will have a “fragile leadership,” as he failed to achieve an absolute majority and did not clarify concerns surrounding his family’s company, Spinumviva.
“No one can assure that new information and updates about the company won’t emerge in the coming days,” he remarked.
Addressing the expansion of Chega, the Livre spokesperson criticized the “disproportionate” attention the party receives, asserting that his next mission is to weaken Chega’s influence by reaching every corner of the country to inform people that the party led by André Ventura is untrustive.
Before outpacing the left, Rui Tavares is determined to surpass Iniciativa Liberal (IL), a goal he pursued in these elections but did not achieve.
“We are not that far off, just you wait,” he emphasized.
Rui Tavares reiterated Livre’s aspiration to be a pivotal party, aiming to be the “beacon of hope” for the left.
He vowed that from Monday, efforts would commence to “shift the country back” to the left.
Culminating his speech, joined by deputies and supporters on stage, Rui Tavares led the crowd in chanting “we will win.”
“This has to change. Our country deserves better,” he concluded.
