António Filipe attended a demonstration in Lisbon this afternoon, stating to SIC Notícias that “there is massive worker participation in this general strike” and that “this demonstration is an overwhelming signal of rejection of the labor package—and of workers’ support for this form of struggle.” “I believe the only course of action for the Government was to withdraw this proposal and leave the workers in peace”, emphasized the presidential candidate.
António Filipe also stressed that “our labor legislation needs improvement,” since “we cannot continue to have an economy built on low wages, job insecurity, and schedule deregulation”. “Workers need to be respected. This general strike is a tremendous demonstration of strength by the workers which the Government should pay close attention to“, he added.
António Filipe also stated on the same occasion that the Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro, “is in denial”, following his remark that today’s general strike participation is “insignificant”.
“He has no understanding of the country he is in, and he either doesn’t realize—or refuses to acknowledge—the enormous disapproval this labor package proposal is arousing among workers“, he emphasized.
On Thursday, the Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro, stated that “the overwhelming majority of the country is working” on the day of the general strike, highlighting that the Government maintains “openness to dialogue”.
Beatriz Vasconcelos | 12:56 – 11/12/2025
“I am very keen to be seen as the candidate of the workers”
When questioned about why he is participating in the demonstration as a candidate for the presidency, António Filipe was decisive: “The President of the Republic should be with the people who work and create wealth in this country, which are the workers. I am very keen to be seen as the candidate of the workers. I am not neutral: I am clearly on the side of the workers“.
In response to whether the role he is seeking requires impartiality, the candidate supported by the PCP highlighted that “it imposes a duty of impartiality to uphold and ensure compliance with the Constitution”. “And upholding the Constitution means respecting workers’ rights”.
“It is not possible to uphold the Constitution and attack workers’ rights”, he concluded.
In addition to António Filipe, Luís Marques Mendes (with PSD support), António José Seguro (supported by PS), André Ventura (supported by Chega), Catarina Martins (backed by BE), Henrique Gouveia e Melo, João Cotrim Figueiredo (endorsed by Iniciativa Liberal), and Jorge Pinto (supported by Livre), among others, have announced candidacies for the presidential elections.
