
These views were expressed by the former Chief of Naval Staff during the closing speech of the political manifesto presentation for his candidacy, an event held at ISCTE in Lisbon, which was attended by his national representative, former PSD president Rui Rio.
“We need a President [of the Republic] who understands the world, who has a clear vision, who masters defense issues, and who can guide the country with security and confidence. Without alarmism, without demagogy, but above all, with total transparency. The President cannot be hesitant, a weather vane, much less a demagogue or populist,” he declared.
However, Gouveia e Melo went further, particularly in the messages directed at presidential candidates supported by parties.
He began by stating that “parties are important in democracy.”
“But, if not having connections to parties means being outside the system, then I am outside the system. But if the system is democracy, institutions, and a free society, then of course I am part of that system,” he emphasized, receiving applause from the audience.
For Gouveia e Melo, one of the main roles of a head of state is “to accompany governance with exigency, with balance, and with a sense of state.”
“The President cannot be the Trojan Horse of any party. He is not in the Presidency to say yes to everything, nor to overthrow governments at the first opportunity. He is there to defend the interests of the Portuguese, to demand responsible governance in the name of the people, that addresses people’s problems and serves the common good,” he concluded.