Third-day unraveling as haunting remnants resurface from the past in the ongoing campaign
A Juicy Political Gathering
The 51st anniversary of the right-wing party, PSD, saw an intriguing lunch meeting hosted by its president, Luís Montenegro, bringing together former leaders Aníbal Cavaco Silva and Pedro Passos Coelho in Lisbon. This get-together, though not part of an official campaign action, is more than just a reunion. It's a strategic move, fueling speculation about the upcoming legislative elections on May 18, 2025.
The PSD, known for its internal factionalism, is aiming to showcase unity, especially as it faces leadership challenges since 2018. Gatherings like these help solidify Montenegro's position as president.
An anticipatory comment from the Socialist Party's secretary-general clarified the nature of the PSD in this campaign, following the participation of these former leaders.
During a visit to Leiria, Pedro Nuno Santos responded to the social democrat reinforcements, boasting that the Socialists produce great leaders like António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, and António Costa, the President of the European Council, who can't participate in the party campaign due to their roles.
The guests didn't ignore their counterparts on the left side of the political spectrum. The coordinator of the BE, Mariana Mortágua, labeled Cavaco Silva's defense of the prime minister's ethics and Passos Coelho's involvement in the campaign as a caricature.
Paulo Raimundo, with a hint of humor, speculated that the menu might reek of 'troika'—Belgian fries, German sausage, and a thin soup. The communist leader followed suit, comparing the bill to be paid in the future to that of Passos Coelho's government's period: the same ones.
The liberal spokesperson, Rui Tavares, considered the social democrat lunch a showcase of the true face of the right, encompassing austerity, arrogance, and blocking forces. He warned against a majority between AD and the "motosserrismo" of IL going further than the 'troika.'
The spokesperson for PAN found the scene reminiscent of the past at a time when the country needed to look towards the future.
Amidst the criticism, Montenegro managed to secure the support of some of his predecessors like Durão Barroso, who sent a supportive message. His contemporaries, Manuela Ferreira Leite and Marques Mendes, emphasized the urgent need for political stability. Passos Coelho asked the party to continue its "reformist tradition," but remained cryptic about whether Montenegro possesses those qualities.
Enthusiastic about the election, the president of Chega, André Ventura, sees his party as the best representation of Passos Coelho's ideas. He warned PSD that people prefer the original to the copy. From Viseu, Rui Rocha of IL, spoke up for the liberals, committing to bringing the 'reformist momentum' that Passos Coelho sought from AD. Earlier in the day, Rocha criticized Montenegro for losing touch with reality, particularly in healthcare, housing, and economic growth.
In a related story, Montenegro was called out for "cannot speaking of ambition" because "he is holding back the economy."
Insight: The lunch meeting, attended by heavyweights like Aníbal Cavaco Silva and Pedro Passos Coelho, is a tactical move aiming for internal cohesion and reaffirming Montenegro's authority as PSD president. Cavaco Silva's public endorsement of Montenegro, aiming to boost his credibility, has faced criticism from the left, especially the BE, who dismissed it as absurd given PSD's historical policies like pension cuts under Passos Coelho. The PSD seeks to leverage these leaders to win over centrist and conservative voters, positioning itself as a stable alternative to the weakened Socialists, after António Costa's EU departure. However, there are risks—reviving scrutiny of the PSD's austere past policies may provide ammunition for opposition parties. In addition, overreliance on seasoned politicians could alienate younger voters seeking renewal.
- The intensified political climate ahead of the 2025 legislative elections has seen a war-and-conflicts policy-and-legislations topic find a prominent place on the general news menu.
- The PSD's strategic move to bring together Luís Montenegro, Aníbal Cavaco Silva, and Pedro Passos Coelho at the Port Santos leite in Lisbon has put the spotlight on the politics of unity and leadership within the party.
- In the face of criticism from the left, such as Mariana Mortágua's labeling of Cavaco Silva and Passos Coelho's involvement as a caricature, the PSD is seeking to portray its reformist tradition as a promise for economic growth and stability.
- As the 2024 election season heats up, the PSD's reinforced ranks are faced with the challenge of balancing their austere past policies under Passos Coelho with the need to appeal to younger voters seeking renewal.
- Amidst the ongoing political strategy games, Rui Tavares, the liberal spokesperson, warns against a majority between AD and the "motosserrismo" of IL going further than the 'troika,' echoing a concern about the potential repeated financial war-and-conflicts policies.
