"Pedro Nuno expresses concern over the perceived hypocrisy: loyal to dogs, yet ready to abandon them."
Portuguese Liberal Deputy criticizes Socialist Party leader following resignation
In a series of posts on social media, Carlos Guimarães Pinto, deputy of the Liberal Initiative (IL), has harshly criticized the political situation within the Socialist Party (PS), specifically around Pedro Nuno Santos who stepped down as the party's leader on Saturday following a heavy defeat in the legislative elections on May 18.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Guimarães Pinto admitted that he finds Pedro Nuno Santos "too radical for a European center-left party" but expressed respect for him "as any ideological adversary."
"I have always been a political adversary of Pedro Nuno Santos, whom I consider too radical for a European center-left party. I hope his defeat also represents the downfall of the PS he represents," Guimarães Pinto stated.
He further criticized individuals who show "mastiff loyalty" when someone is in power but abandon them when they fall. In his view, these individuals do not deserve "respect" and are not fit to "hold positions of power."
"Individuals who demonstrate undying loyalty when someone is in power but abandon them when they fall do not deserve respect. They are unfit even to sit at the same table, let alone exercise power," Guimarães Pinto commented.
It was announced today that Pedro Nuno Santos has resigned as the PS's secretary-general, and direct elections to choose the new socialist leader will take place on June 27 and 28. José Luís Carneiro is currently the only official candidate for the PS's leadership.
A former Minister of Internal Affairs (2022–2024), Carneiro previously contested against Santos in 2024, suggesting him as a possible contender for the reins due to the current political climate within the party. The PS is facing substantial internal and strategic challenges, including the need to rejuvenate itself and craft policies that reconnect with core supporters. Further candidates may surface during the party's leadership selection process, but at present, José Luís Carneiro appears to be the most prominent candidate for the position.
What are the policy-and-legislation plans of the potential new Socialist Party leader, Jose Luís Carneiro, to rejuvenate the party and address the internal and strategic challenges it faces, and how do they differ from the current political climate under former leader Pedro Nuno Santos?
In the General News, the debate continues about the selection of a new leader for the Socialist Party, with Carlos Guimarães Pinto expressing concerns over the possible return of Jose Luís Carneiro, whom he considers to be a less radical alternative to Pedro Nuno Santos, but still questionable in terms of policies that align with European center-left values.
