There may soon be an additional contender in the race for Portugal’s presidency. Rui Moreira, the current mayor of Porto, is considering a bid for the Presidency of the Republic.
The news emerged on Monday, with reports indicating that Rui Moreira’s campaign preparation is “underway,” already attracting potential financial backers.
Furthermore, in recent weeks, a working group has been organizing the campaign strategy.
On the same day, CNN Portugal commentator Rui Calafate suggested that Rui Moreira might enter the race, noting “He has received significant support and numerous appeals,” particularly from “the North,” he stated.
Cotrim Expresses Willingness, but Decision “Not Yet Made”
João Cotrim Figueiredo may also join the presidential race. On Saturday, the MEP declared his readiness to run but emphasized that the decision “has not been made” and depends on support from entities beyond the IL, which he did not specify.
During a press interaction at the IL’s 10th National Convention in Alcobaça, Cotrim Figueiredo was asked about his intentions to run for President after stating in a speech that he is open to “all battles” and responding to calls urging him to consider the presidential race.
“I haven’t decided to run yet. I have decided to be open, and now potential contacts can be made that were previously impossible, allowing me to reach a final decision soon,” responded the former leader of the IL from 2019 to 2023.
Regarding what factors may affect his decision to pursue a presidential campaign, Cotrim Figueiredo replied: “Without revealing too much, my approach is not to conduct a campaign similar to previous ones.” “This requires other entities’ willingness to join this path with me,” he emphasized.
MEP João Cotrim Figueiredo has stated his availability to run for president but stressed that the decision “has not been made” and depends on support from entities outside the IL, which he did not specify.
Lusa | 18:38 – 19/07/2025
Gouveia e Melo Falters: “Near Technical Tie” with Marques Mendes and Seguro
Currently, there are four leading candidates for the presidential elections in January next year: Henrique Gouveia e Melo, Luís Marques Mendes, António José Seguro, and António Filipe.
Although he remains ahead in voter preference, the admiral appears in a “near technical tie” with Luís Marques Mendes and António José Seguro in the latest Intercampus barometer for Correio da Manhã, CMTV, and Jornal de Negócios.
Despite remaining the favorite among Portuguese voters in the presidential elections, Gouveia e Melo’s support has declined, placing him in a “near technical tie” with Marques Mendes and Seguro. In a potential second round, several scenarios depict a technical tie.
Daniela Filipe | 23:48 – 21/07/2025
