At a dinner marking the conclusion of the PAN electoral campaign in Lisbon, Inês de Sousa Real called on voters not to be misled, asserting that her party is the “only political force” committed to environmental protection and combating climate change, as well as delivering on its promises.
“The major parties make numerous promises during election campaigns, but only PAN delivers when in parliament,” she stated, emphasizing that the party will also be the “sole advocate for animal welfare” in the Assembly of the Republic.
Addressing the electorate, Sousa Real acknowledged the frustration, anger, and indecision felt by the Portuguese populace regarding the nation’s future but urged that this should not deter them from voting. “Now is the time to express our vision for the country and the societal model we desire,” she urged.
Appealing to undecided and disenchanted voters, Sousa Real assured them that her party represents “stability and progress,” calling for a “vote of confidence” to help reclaim the parliamentary group lost in the 2022 elections.
She further urged voters to dispel the “specter of tactical voting” and to demonstrate that voting is meaningful when it supports causes they believe in, encouraging a heartfelt vote for PAN.
“While others build walls, we raise flags and give voice to causes. Another deputy in the Assembly for PS or Chega won’t make any difference; the major parties don’t need more votes,” she argued.
Before a room filled with supporters, Sousa Real became emotional while reflecting on her journey as the sole deputy of the party and addressing global crises such as the pandemic and the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
“I never imagined we would endure such challenging times as those with the wars in Ukraine, the Gaza Strip, with so many children dying and women being assaulted with a weapon of war. I didn’t foresee having the responsibility, not once, not twice, but for the third time, to strive for PAN to have a parliamentary group,” she expressed.
Sousa Real urged voters not to give up, expressing confidence that PAN would “elect a parliamentary group” on May 18, thereby strengthening the causes it champions, and calling for nationwide and island-wide support for the party.
The PAN leader also expressed gratitude to “brave individuals” supporting the party, noting that it’s “very easy to keep fighting” when there are substantial financial resources and support mechanisms. However, she emphasized that the party thrives on the activism of “ordinary citizens” and activists.
