The position was advocated by Rui Moreira, the mayor of Porto since 2013, who has consistently been elected on independent lists, during his speech introducing himself as the national representative for Luís Marques Mendes’ presidential candidacy at a session in Lisbon.
“Marques Mendes’ candidacy does not ride the anti-system wave; rather, it values democracy and the rule of law. It does not demonize politics and politicians but indeed acknowledges dedication to the common good. It does not feed on social resentment but proposes a better future for the Portuguese,” he stated before concluding:
“Therefore, I fully identify with this candidacy, and I will do everything for it to gain the preference of the Portuguese.”
As the national representative for Marques Mendes, Rui Moreira expressed confidence in his ability to “add experience, knowledge, commitment, and conviction to the candidacy.”
“My personal and political journey ensures fidelity to the core principles of this candidacy. Otherwise, I would not be its national representative. I am here today because I believe that my public reputation, the values I uphold, and the causes I defend are aligned with Marques Mendes’ presidential project,” he justified.
In his speech, Rui Moreira asserted that Marques Mendes’ candidacy “has a clear ideological basis and enjoys the support of his lifelong party, the PSD,” yet it “rests on an unequivocal and conclusive programmatic foundation.”
“And it is this programmatic base that defines principles and objectives: It sets directions and strategies, creates expectations, and commitments,” he noted.
In this context, the outgoing mayor of Porto emphasized that his entire life has been independent but also stressed he has never attacked the system or attempted to place himself outside of it.
“Just as I do not repudiate political parties or consider myself above partisan politics. I acknowledge the fundamental role of parties in liberal democracy, as representatives of the popular will and instruments of political power organization,” he said, before issuing a warning about what other presidential candidates represent.
“I am always wary of those who, wanting to be in politics, claim to be apolitical or anti-partisan. Conversely, Marques Mendes does not deny his long career as a public official, party leader, and political commentator. We know who he is and how he thinks, and it is certain that his convictions do not constitute a limitation or a constraint. They are, indeed, a starting point to mobilize citizens around a serious and credible presidential project,” he countered.
From the perspective of the outgoing mayor of Porto, Marques Mendes “encompasses a broad political-ideological spectrum, although it should be noted, it is not a decaffeinated political campaign nor one willing to trade its principles.”
“I realized that Marques Mendes champions a wide-ranging presidential project. His candidacy addresses the diverse concerns, interests, and expectations of the Portuguese. His candidacy does not subtract or exclude, considering all citizens equally,” he added.
In his address, Rui Moreira offered another critique concerning the group of national representatives of presidential candidates, though without specifying the target.
“I did not accept this challenge for settling scores or driven by any desire for revenge. Personally, I hold no grudges against the other candidates, whom I respect highly,” he declared, in a message some interpreted as directed towards the former leader of the PSD, Rui Rio.
Regarding Marques Mendes, he said: “I did not always agree with all his actions and opinions throughout his many years of political, civic, and media involvement, but I have always been convinced that he is a true patriot, a defender of liberal democracy.”
“I have never seen him waver or equivocate when it comes to defending the public cause and individual rights. He is a 21st-century social democrat — with authority, competence, and political stature to adjust the values of personalism to contemporary times,” he concluded.
