Luís Montenegro chose to end the campaign in Espinho, where he has lived for many years, to support candidate Jorge Ratola, an aide in his office and a national management choice.
Before praising the candidate, the Prime Minister highlighted the qualities of the State Budget proposal presented on Thursday, stating it “lowers taxes, ensures pension increases, increases the solidarity supplement for the elderly, and public investment.”
“The Budget faced such difficulty in being criticized – and there’s no problem if the opposition says the budget is good, because it is. It’s good for people, families, municipalities, institutions, companies, and therefore, it should be good for those representing people, families, and companies, whether in power or opposition,” he stated.
As he has consistently done throughout the campaign, Montenegro reiterated the need for a partnership between local government and the PSD/CDS-PP government he leads.
“My first message is for the country: for the country not to miss this opportunity, not to lose this course. That the country, at the polls, can choose the best, those who are more prepared, qualified, and capable, to build prosperity and social justice alongside the Government of the Republic,” he appealed.
Montenegro concluded his last rally for Sunday’s municipal campaign before 9 PM, with three consecutive actions in just over two hours, in Ílhavo, Aveiro, and Espinho.
“Like almost every Friday, I come to end my workweek at home. I come with great pleasure, with great honor, with the conscience of having once again traveled across the country,” he emphasized.
Reviewing key measures from the year and a half of PSD/CDS-PP governance, Montenegro stated the need for local officials “available to seize opportunities to attract investment, intervene in schools, housing, health, culture, and sports.”
Moving to Espinho, Montenegro remarked that the governance of the last four years by the PS showed they lacked the ability to lead Espinho City Hall.
Regarding the candidate, he said he is “the most qualified Espinho resident” to speak about Jorge Ratola, whom he has known for over 25 years, without sparing compliments.
“But he isn’t running for City Hall because he’s our friend, nor because he’s my friend, even though many want to exploit the fact that we’re friends,” he assured, arguing he is truly the best candidate for this municipality.
Montenegro ended the rally shouting “Jorge” for supporters gathered in a small square in front of the Espinho Casino to return with “Ratola.”
Ricardo Sousa, the local party president, was unanimously chosen as the candidate in November 2024, but in February 2025, the national autarchic coordinator of the social democrats announced the party’s internal hierarchy would take over the process, proposing another name.
[Updated at 21:40]
