“My candidacy is open. I appeal to all humanists, democrats, and progressives, to those who want and believe it is possible to unite all Portuguese people to build a better country. I call for this convergence,” declared Seguro to journalists at the entrance of the Paredes de Coura Festival in Viana do Castelo district.
Regarding António Sampaio da Nóvoa’s announcement today that he would not run in the 2026 presidential race, Seguro emphasized that they share “common values, such as the defense of democracy, humanist principles, and the Constitution.”
“I note that this is not a withdrawal from the country. He expressed his willingness to contribute civically and intellectually, and the country is grateful for that,” he said.
In a statement sent to Lusa, university professor António Sampaio da Nóvoa stated that after “careful and thorough reflection on the current political moment the country is facing and the responsibilities that such an exercise requires,” he concluded that he should not “advance with a new presidential candidacy.”
“Citizenship requires courage. I will never fail my country. Whenever necessary, I will be present. I reaffirm my total willingness to fulfill my civic obligations in the service of the Portuguese people, the common good, and that greater hope,” concluded the former presidential candidate.
The university professor António Sampaio da Nóvoa has definitively withdrawn from the 2026 presidential race, as stated in a declaration sent to Lusa where he affirmed he is not in a position to proceed with a candidacy.
