During a luncheon with approximately 500 supporters in Pombal, located in the district of Leiria, Luís Marques Mendes emphasized that “if Ukraine loses this war, Europe loses (…) it’s the security of Europe that could be at stake.”
“This peace plan presented by the United States seems like a peace plan written in Moscow. (…) it is a reward for those who were the aggressor and the invader of Ukraine,” reinforced the candidate supported by the PSD and CDS-PP.
Considering the plan an “injustice” for the Ukrainians, Marques Mendes stated that it is also a “discrimination against Europe, the European Union, and the United Kingdom,” criticizing the fact that Europe was not “consulted or considered in the drafting of this peace plan.”
“This is not possible, it is not healthy, it is not desirable. Ukrainians are resilient people. Europeans are people of values, and I believe, for that reason, that in the coming days, in the various meetings that are already happening and in the negotiations that will be carried out, the truth and reason will prevail,” he observed.
The presidential candidate underlined the importance of security, noting its absence threatens freedom, democracy, and well-being.
Marques Mendes also highlighted in his speech the latest poll results, indicating an increase in support for his candidacy.
“Our candidacy is growing. In the latest polls, in more than one, it is already in first place. I will not be dazzled by this. Power does not go to my head. I will continue to work with the same humility, the same dedication, and with the same respect for the Portuguese people,” he stated, admitting he enjoys “being high in the polls today.”
However, the candidate lamented that as the polls begin to show high results for him, “some attacks from opponents, sometimes from those least expected, begin.”
“It’s what has been seen in recent days, personal attacks on me or my candidacy. When the polls are favorable, it seems that despair comes from other sides,” he criticized, assuring that he will never respond to “personal attacks with other personal attacks.”
Indicating he will maintain “a clean campaign” and focus on “building solutions,” Marques Mendes reinforced the importance of maintaining the country’s stability, especially for people, “for the most fragile and vulnerable.”
“With the experience I have, with the independence I have already proven, with the ability I have demonstrated over the years to create understanding, I will defend stability in the name of the people, in the name of the entire country, ensuring the approval of State budgets so that there are no more crises, dissolutions, and early legislative elections,” he assured.
