Collection of statements by Henrique Gouveia e Melo, former Chief of Staff of the Navy, set to announce his candidacy for the Presidency of the Republic on Thursday:
“If that happens [entering political life], give me a rope to hang myself.”
Henrique Gouveia e Melo, Vice-Admiral, during a lunch/debate organized by the International Club of Portugal, in Lisbon
28-10-2021
“Democracy does not need military personnel. I love being in the military, but excessive militarism makes no sense.”
Idem, ibidem
“I don’t like being involved in the political arena. I am a military man and have no intention of running for anything in the future. This is a no. When I say no, it’s no.”
Renascença, 18-05-2023
“I am focused on my military goal, which is to transform the Navy into a truly useful, significant, comprehensive, and technologically advanced instrument at the service of the Portuguese State. This work is enormous. It occupies 110% of my brain. Therefore, I am not worried about other matters.”
When asked about a potential candidacy for President of the Republic
Lusa, 27-12-2023
“The idea that military personnel cannot participate in politics is undemocratic.”
Portugal Amanhã/Euronews, 09-08-2024
“I do not include or exclude the possibility of a candidacy [for the Presidency].”
RTP3, 04-09-2024
“Military personnel do not blackmail political power. On the contrary, it is the political power that commands the military.”
Reacting to the news that the President of the Republic would like to extend Admiral Gouveia e Melo’s term for two more years to prevent a presidential candidacy
04-10-2024
“Transforming the Presidency [of the Republic] into an appendix of party interests is a threat to the liberal democracy’s ability to maintain a balanced and functional system.”
Expresso, 21-02-2025
“Bridges are not built on networks of influence, cronies, or political-partisan intrigues, but on consensuses based on humanitarian values, the desire for freedom, prosperity, and effective solidarity, and above all, in the unwavering defense of liberal democracy.”
Idem, ibidem
“One must also be careful with the idea that only experienced, so-called, or career politicians can do politics, because that is the denial of the very openness of a system that should be open to incorporating not only knowledge but diverse ideas.”
17-03-2025
“After the [legislative] elections of May 18, I will assume the position I think I should assume at the time and I will be clearer than I am now, because my role at this moment is to wait for the legislative elections.”
22-03-2025
“If you think — it doesn’t mean I will run for the presidency [of the Republic] — that by voting for me you don’t have to do anything because your problems will be solved by that miracle worker who will assume the Presidency, please don’t vote for me. Vote for another miracle worker because I am not that miracle worker.”
27-03-2025
“There is no doubt. I will indeed be a candidate [for the Presidency of the Republic].”
Renascença, 14-05-2025
“This internal instability is evident to all of us, Portuguese.”
Idem, ibidem
“The President of the Republic, being elected by majority and not dependent on parties, can contribute very decisively to the structuring of medium and long-term policy, with a strategic vision, and for the structural reforms that have been left undone for many years in Portuguese society.”
Idem, ibidem
“My way of acting will be very different from the current President [Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa].”
Idem, ibidem
