The PS-JPP joint press conference was a bit weird. First, reporters weren't allowed to ask questions to the party leaders, second, other parties weren't informed or contacted about the details of this "compromise", and third, it's odd that in an announcement of a government compromise one of the sides, in this case JPP, says that "if this doesn't work, we're going home". Paulo Cafôfo, PS leader, says that alternation is needed in Madeira and that this compromise with JPP can ensure a "stable but responsible" government. JPP says that they could not sit by and let this opportunity pass and present an alternative to the near 50 years of PSD rule, and both challenge other parties, CDS, IL and PAN, to join PS and JPP.
24 hours later, the PS/JPP compromise ended:
Miguel Albuquerque was asked to form a government.PSD-M leader Miguel Albuquerque was asked to form a government by the Representative of the Republic, Ireneu Barreto. Mr. Barreto met with parties represented in the regional assembly and Albuquerque was the one who got more support, as CDS, after meeting in the morning with the PSD, decided to support Albuquerque rather than to join the PS/JPP compromise. Albuquerque confirmed he will sign a confidence and supply agreement with CDS,
and has the guarantee that CHEGA will not vote against the PSD and will abstain.On the national scene,
the day was marked by the 6-hour visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Portugal: Press conference after the meeting.After visits to Spain and Belgium, President Zelensky arrived at Lisbon airport this Tuesday afternoon. He was greated by President Marcelo and PM Montenegro and received military honours. He then had a 1-hour long meeting with PM Montenegro where a 10-year agreement between Portugal and Ukraine was signed. This agreement will give further aid to Ukraine, military and financial, worth of at least 126 million euros in 2024 (100 million already given plus an additional 26 million), pilot training, delivery of jets, tanks and ammunition and also plans for the reconstrution of Ukraine after the war. Zelensky thanked Portugal for its support in the war against Russia, while PM Montenegro pressed on Portugal's support for Ukraine's candidacy to the EU and NATO. Portugal also said they will put more effort on diplomatic talks in order for more countries to join the Switzerland Peace Summit, to be held this June, with Montenegro saying that Portugal was able to convince the Dominican Republic and is now working on São Tomé and Principe. Then, President Zelensky met with President Marcelo and ended the trip with a working dinner with the President and the PM.