Focusing on the theme of Trump-style politics and immigration, the first day of the campaign was distinctly characterized by these two aspects.
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The Democratic Alliance (AD) has been in Braga, where Luís Montenegro, the party leader, faced questions about the government's decision to push 4,574 foreign citizens to leave Portugal voluntarily within 20 days. Despite the controversy, Montenegro clarified that the process wasn't sped up and had started last year.
Montenegro shared his views on the current state of Portuguese oppositions: "It's a bit of a mess right now, they're too busy criticizing the government instead of offering constructive solutions."
Pedro Nuno Santos, from the Socialist Party (PS), launched a campaign in Ponte de Lima by taking a dig at Montenegro, accusing him of cozying up to Chega's immigration policies and even likening him to a Trump-like figure. "We've got a Prime Minister endorsing the expulsion of some citizens now, all while seeking applause from the extremists," Santos emphasized.
From Ponte de Lima, the PS moved on to a rally in Guimarães, where Santos criticized the AD for handling the crisis through wage and pension cuts.
Chega took a hardline stance on immigration, advocating for the removal of foreigners without employment. Nuno Simões de Melo, Chega's leader for Guarda, declared that it's not just 4,500 people who should depart, but a staggering 1 million 700 thousand - a figure that exceeds the total foreign residents in Portugal as per official data.
André Ventura, Chega's president, called for an opportunity to govern and blamed the previous 50 years of failed leadership on the same two parties, PS and PSD, stating, "The Portuguese have become increasingly poor and backwards."
Joaquim Borges, the leader of the Liberal Initiative, slammed Santos as a "drifting castaway clinging to lies" in Setúbal, accusing the SG of the PS of spreading falsehoods about the health model advocated by the socialists.
Rui Rocha from the Liberal Initiative challenged the need for a "centre-right reformist solution," arguing that it's time for real change.
The Left Bloc accused "centre governments" of aiding the rise of the extreme right in their national coordinator's speech in Almada, warning against complaining now.
Paulo Raimundo, the SG of the PCP, seized Mother's Day to bring attention to the declining birth rate in a campaign speech, which was unexpectedly interrupted by a power cut at the Pavilhão do Sobralinho.
Livre reiterated its aim to expand its parliamentary group, urging voters to cast "many poppies" in the upcoming elections at a rally in Cascais.
Rui Tavares took the chance to address the left, reminding them of their ability to champion freedom. He criticized a right that, according to him, doesn't appreciate freedom, with some even advocating for strict authoritarianism if they gain power.
The first day of the electoral campaign also marked the commencement of early voting registration and the presidential debate among party leaders, scheduled for tonight.
Further Reading: Chega Launches Election Campaign Asking for a Chance to Govern
Key Insights: The immigration debate in Portugal is heated, as various political parties grapple with opposing views on the implications of immigration for the country. The Democratic Alliance (AD) leans towards stricter immigration controls, the Socialist Party (PS) advocates for more open policies, and Chega champions conservative immigration policies. The upcoming elections will likely determine the direction of future immigration policies in Portugal.
- Despite controversy over the government's decision to encourage voluntary departure of 4,574 foreign citizens in Portugal, Luís Montenegro, the Democratic Alliance (AD) leader, maintains that the process wasn't expedited and was initiated last year.
- Pedro Nuno Santos from the Socialist Party (PS) is campaigning against Montenegro, alleging that he's aligning with Chega's stringent immigration policies and even comparing him to a Trump-like figure.
- Chega's leader, Nuno Simões de Melo, has suggested that it's not just 4,500 people who should leave, but a mind-boggling 1 million 700 thousand, a number that surpasses the total foreign residents in Portugal.
- In a surprise interruption, a power cut disrupted Paulo Raimundo's campaign speech on Mother's Day, where he was bringing attention to the declining birth rate as the leader of the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP).
