Presidential: Cotrim Yes, Sampaio da Nóvoa

Former IL leader announced that he is a candidate for president of the Republic. Sampaio da Nóvoa is unable to advance.

João COTRIM DE FIGUEIREDO and candidate a chairman of the Republic. The former leader of the Liberal Initiative (IL) and MEPSPutada announced last night his candidacy for Belém.

“I can announce that yes, I am a presidential candidate in the elections that will take place in 2026,” announced João Cotrim Figueiredo na, who said he wanted to do a “More comprehensive candidacy”, besides ILand “open it to everyone who can imagine a different Portugal than it is today.”

Quoting Fernando Pessoa, the former IL leader said he was sure that “big works are always born from the dream or imagination of someone or someone, groups of people, who think a little ahead and a little larger than others”.

“And I look at this country and I liked it was a more advanced, less gray countryless Bafio, more airy, that was much more modern, where one could create great works of culture, of knowledge, ”he said.

Cotrim Figueiredo said he received “hundreds of messages from people from many parties,” who encouraged him to move forward and agreed that “this could be much better and different.”

“I know I’m not in this alone and I imagine that track of the electorate – especially the most dynamic, the most young people – Looking at the current offer of candidates who are profiled in these presidential and the do not review”He said.

In the last presidential elections, in January 2021, IL -backed candidate Tiago Mayan Gonçalves was sixth, with 3.22% and 134,000 votes.

For these presidential elections, the current IL leader, Mariana Leitão, had already announced a candidacy for Belém, who eventually withdrawn when she decided to the party’s presidency.

Sampaio da Nóvoa is out

The University Professor António Sampaio da Nóvoa Definitely placed itself fora From the 2026 presidential race, in a statement sent to Lusa in which he claims to be unable to move forward.

“After a careful and deepened reflection on the political moment that the country is going through, and about the responsibilities that such an exercise requires, I came to the conclusion that I should not advance For a new presidential candidacy, ”writes António Sampaio da Nóvoa in a written statement sent to Lusa.

Despite stressing that “civic participation is a responsibility of everyone”, Sampaio da Nóvoa adds: “But The conditions are not gathered For an open and plural candidacy, humanist, transverse to the most diverse sectors of society, as happened in the 2016 elections, in which I received 23% of the votes. ”

“I know very well who I am and who I am not, and the values and principles of independence which are part of my life history, ”says the university professor and ambassador of Portugal at UNESCO between 2018 and 2021.

The former 70 -year -old Council of State Member thanks “the support manifested by the General Ramalho Eanes, greater personality of our national life ”as well as that of many citizens who have encouraged it in recent months.

“During the last few months, many citizens have expressed their support and encouragement for a possible presidential candidacy, without me having, at some point, talked about this possibility. I am grateful for all the confidence of the deposited and the affection shown,” he says.

In the text sent to Lusa, Sampaio da Nóvoa considers that “in times of hatred and violence, it is urgent to defend the constitution and democracy, based on freedom, solidarity and human rights.”

“I am still restless and concerned about our country. I still feel that it is necessary to act. But I believe that I can be more useful from party ties, policies or others, freed from calculism or interests other than national interests. I will always act through a civic intervention especially in the areas of education, science and culture, namely with young people. Motivated, unhappy, militant of the great causes, ”he says.

The former candidate, who in 2016 reached 22.9% of the votes and was second behind Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, considers that “Portugal is much better than so many times you hear and read.”

And indicates several areas: “in the economy. In business initiatives. In scientific and technological developments. In local power. In the lives of communities. In culture and sports associations. In social solidarity institutions. In so many other sectors and with so many good examples.”

Despite being out of the race to Belém, António Sampaio da Nóvoa asks ambition for the future of the country.

“Together, we need to build a future ambition for Portugal -to advance a century in a decade -“ to save hope, as Adriano Moreira taught us. No divisions. Without factories. With joy. With humanity. Continuing the history of freedom of the last 50 years, but breaking with the poverty and the media that reduce and diminish us, ”he writes.

Finally, it argues that “if the Portuguese want, and decide, Portugal can be an infinitely better country.”

“Citizenship requires courage. I will never fail my country. Whenever necessary, I will be present. I reaffirm my full availability to fulfill my civic obligations to the service of the Portuguese, the common good and that greater hope,” concludes the former candidate for president.

“Good grade”

The candidate for president of the Republic António José Seguro Today he called on to “humanists, democrats and progressives” to join his candidacy and greeted Sampaio da Nóvoa’s availability to contribute to the country.

“What is important to say is that my candidacy is open. I will appeal to all humanists, democrats and progressives, to those who want and believe that it is possible to build a country with the union of all Portuguese. I appeal to this convergence,” insurance said, in statements to journalists at the entrance of the Paredes de Coura festival in the district of Viana do Castelo.

About the fact that Sampaio da Nóvoa was put off the 2026 presidential race, Insurance stressed that both share “common valuesas the defense of democracy, humanistic values and the Constitution. ”

“I take a good note that it is not a withdrawal from the country. He expressed availability to make his civic and intellectual contributions and the country is grateful for it, ”he said.

So far, the intention of intent to run for presidential elections of January 2026 have been formalized the former PSD president Luís Marques Mendes, former armed chief of the Armada, Admiral Gouveia and Melo, former PS Secretary General António José Seguro, and former PCP Deputy António Filipe.