Manuel Fernando Araújo / LUSA
Luís Marques Mendes greeted by Luís Montenegro
Acting Prime Minister present in an electoral campaign for the presidential elections: a rare scenario in Portugal.
When, in February this year, Luís Brands Mendes yours candidacy the President of the Republichighlighted his political experience; He was president of the PSD and minister in two governments.
But he also assured that he would be a candidate free, far from the party he led: he announced that he handed over his PSD member card that day.
Almost four months later, and as expected, the National Council of PSD support for Marques Mendes. One overwhelming support, “very enthusiastically and with great conviction”.
Now it will be another level: throughout his campaign towards the January 18 elections, the candidate will have PSD notables at his side. Every day.
Manuel Castro Almeida, Manuela Ferreira Leite and Leonor Beleza are confirmed presences, in addition to independents Rui Moreira or Eduardo Barroso.
And what’s more, he adds: let’s see a prime minister in a presidential election campaign.
Luis Montenegro will participate in – at least – one Marques Mendes campaign; It is not yet known which one or which ones. Not as prime minister, officially, but as leader of the PSD.
It is a rare scenario in Portugal. The last presidential campaign that featured a prime minister was 40 years ago, in the famous 1986 elections, when Cavaco Silva was at the Freitas do Amaral headquarters.
This stance contrasts with Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa’s option. The current President of the Republic never appeared publicly with PSD leaders, although he had several Social Democrats supporting him, in “hidden” events.
