“There may be a lack of money for other things, but there can’t be a lack of funds for the health of the Portuguese, which is why the first year of my term as President of the Republic, if entrusted with the Portuguese people’s confidence, will be dedicated to the priority of priorities, which is to save the National Health Service,” stated António José Seguro during a visit to the Central and University Hospital of Madeira, near Funchal.
Seguro stressed that he wants to be “a demanding president” and will demand “that governments and parties do what they must, which is to find solutions to the problems faced by the Portuguese.”
The candidate, however, chose not to comment on the PS’s stance that the Prime Minister should dismiss the Health Minister, following reports by Público newspaper that the SNS Executive Board instructed hospitals to cut expenses, even if this means slowing down consultations and surgeries.
“The life of parties concerns the parties themselves. I am here as a candidate for President of the Republic, and my focus is on finding solutions so that the Portuguese can resolve their issues,” he said.
The former socialist secretary-general added that to address health-related issues, “everyone needs to make a pact and an effort,” otherwise “these problems” of “lack of funds,” closed emergencies, and the “significant hardship people face to get a consultation or timely access to surgery” will persist.
“There cannot be healthcare for the rich and healthcare for the poor. A good National Health Service, a quality National Health Service, ensures that everyone has access,” he emphasized.
“The country can’t continue resorting to palliatives, only addressing symptoms. We need to eradicate the root causes of existing problems. This is why I return to national public life to contribute, if granted, as I hope, the trust of the Portuguese, of Madeirans, in this specific case, and of the people of Porto Santo,” he highlighted.
Asked whether the President of the Republic should send the nationality law to the Constitutional Court, Seguro mentioned that he has not yet reviewed the decree but regretted that the diploma lacked consensus among the major political parties in the Assembly of the Republic.
For Seguro, “laws with such sensitivity and nature should have the broadest possible consensus,” expressing regret “that this consensus did not include the PS.”
“These are laws that will come into force and remain in place for many years. Therefore, consensus around this law, the widest possible consensus, is desirable,” he insisted.
When questioned if he would differ from Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa if elected, Seguro responded that “all presidents are different,” adding that he is “aware that the use of words should bring about consequences and should not be trivialized.”
Seguro was in Madeira on Tuesday and concludes a two-day visit to the region today, as part of a month-long tour across the country that began on Saturday in the Algarve, with the theme “The future is built with everyone,” to gather opinions and engage with the Portuguese.
Today, the presidential candidate also met with fishermen and shipowners, visited a company, and the Garouta do Calhau association.
On Tuesday, he met with students from the Madeira Academic Association at the Penteada University Campus, in Funchal, and participated in the launch of the book “One of Us,” by the author Rui Gomes.
