Manuel De Almeida / Lusa
The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, with the Chief of Staff of the Navy, Admiral Henrique Gouveia e Melo
The President of the Republic wants an independent candidate free from external influences from the current Admiral.
The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, awaits the Prime Minister’s proposal for the succession of Admiral Gouveia e Melo as Chief of the General Staff of the Navy (CEMA).
However, Marcelo has already signaled that he is not willing to accept the promotion of any of the seven vice admirals indiscriminately, demanding a name that ensure autonomy in leadership of the Navy and neutralize any external influences from the current outgoing leader.
Sources close to Marcelo heard by revealed that the President will only consider candidates who have experience and independent thinking about the direction of the Navy, but there is no evidence that he expressed these conditions directly to the Minister of Defense, Nuno Melo, or to the Prime Minister.
Among the names mentioned, the following stand out: Jorge Nobre de Sousachief of staff of the Joint Command for Military Operations, and Aníbal Soares Ribeirodeputy CEMA promoted by Gouveia e Melo. Both are seen as viable options within the Navy: Nobre de Sousa is recognized for his innovative ideas, although distinct from those of Gouveia and Melo, while Soares Ribeiro has a more pragmatic and conciliatory approach.
On the other hand, Vice Admiral Nuno Chaves Ferreiracurrent naval commander, raises greater apprehension among officers. Although he held prominent positions, such as chief of staff to Gouveia e Melo, his career included long periods outside the Navy, in political functions in the Socialist Partywhich raises doubts about his technical and operational knowledge of the Navy.
The selection process involves the presentation of three names by the Admiralty Council, followed by an opinion from the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces (CEMGFA). The Minister of Defense articulates the choice with the Prime Minister, who then proposes a candidate to Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. The final decision is up to the President of the Republic, who must be announced before Christmas.
