The 2026 presidential elections are already shaking up political parties, with emphasis on the Socialist Party (PS), where several figures are defining positions.
Carlos César, president of the PS, assured on Saturday that to the 2026 presidential elections. The statement adds to the “no’s” of Mário Centeno and Elisa Ferreira, who leave the party still looking for a strong name.
The secretary general, Pedro Nuno Santos, highlights the need to quickly clarify who is available to move forward.
“These are personal, non-partisan candidacies, and the Workers’ Party, in order to know who supports it, needs to know who is available. In my opinion, the faster the better.”
Among the potential candidates, Augusto Santos Silva guaranteed that he will never stand against António Vitorino, to whom he attributes “all the necessary requirements” for a candidacy. António José Seguro was the target of criticism from Santos Silva, who stated that the former secretary-general “does not meet the minimum standards to be supported” by the PS.
On the other hand, Francisco Assis, socialist MEP, considering it “unacceptable”.
“There appears to be an ongoing campaign organized with the sole intention of preventing António José Seguro’s presidential candidacy.”
Despite the criticism, Seguro remains a possibility in play.
Movements in other parties
In the PSD, Pedro Passos Coelho recently said that he is away from active politics. Hugo Soares, parliamentary leader, expressed support for a possible candidacy by Luís Marques Mendes, whom he describes as “an extraordinary candidate”.
On the right, the Liberal Initiative announced that it will present a candidate at the beginning of February, while André Ventura has already confirmed that he will again be Chega’s candidate.
In the left field, the PCP must advance with its own candidate. The Bloco de Esquerda, Livre and PAN have not yet clarified their positions.
Independents and other candidacies
Among the independent candidates, Tim Vieira and André Pestana stand out. Joana Amaral Dias could also enter the dispute, with the support of DNA, although she has not yet confirmed it.
Admiral Gouveia e Melo, when asked about a possible candidacy, kept his answer open.
