Analysis
In the usual political analysis on Wednesdays, Eunice Lourenço and Reinaldo Serrano evaluate the first two debates with candidates for the presidency of the Republic.
The two presidential debates held revealed very different styles, objectives and limitations between the . After a first confrontation between marked by tension and interruptions, Tuesday’s debate between brought a more civilized and enlightening tone.
Both debates made clear the differences that separate them, but they did so with respect and some depth, even if without demonstrating a great capacity to broaden their respective electoral bases. The discussion once again highlighted that, despite the attempt at partisan detachment, both Marques Mendes and António Filipe inevitably carry the weight of the structures from which they come.
“It was a bit expected, two interesting candidates, who have known each other for a long time, who have many differences and these differences were clear in the debate, but despite all these differences they respect each other and are able to talk, debate, express ideas”, considers Eunice Lourenço.
In the opinion of the Expresso Politics editor, “António Filipe manages to have an image that goes a little beyond the PCP, which manages to touch other areas of the left and I think that, in his own interest, he managed to emphasize this characteristic of being the candidate who is on the side of the workers against Marques Mendes in the debate”.
Reinado Serrano argues that the first debate, between Ventura and Seguro, “it wasn’t a debate, it didn’t exist”.
“In terms of bringing together voters, yesterday’s debate did not expand any major boundaries. There is a common point between the debate between Luís Marques Mendes against António Felipe and that of António José Seguro against Ventura, is that being at the opposite ends of each other, let there be no doubt about that, Ventura and António Filipe have, in some way, more or less closed electorates, they have niches”.
For Reinaldo Serrano, Marques Mendes gained points when he “demonstrated, once again, his autonomy in relation to the Government coalition”, remembering that he was a commentator for 12 years, and independently criticized areas”, namely the Minister of Health.
“António Filipe took the opportunity to ride this wave of social protest and it was curious that the two of them, plus Marques Mendes, invoked the position of the UGT, which was completely unexpected, when suddenly it is the UGT itself that considers the possibility of there being two days of strike”, adds the journalist and SIC commentator.
