🇵🇹 Portugal's politics and elections 3.0

[Mike88]

New government, new thread.

Older threads:

Portugal's politics and elections
Portugal's politics and elections 2.0

With a lot of changes in the political scene during the last two years, with new leaders and a return to the era of majority governments, it's time for a new thread.

Political summary:

President of the Republic: Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa (PSD) 2016-Incumbent
Prime Minister: António Costa (PS) 2015-Incumbent
Leader of the Opposition (unofficial): Luís Montenegro (PSD) 2022-Incumbent
Speaker of Parliament: Augusto Santos Silva (PS) 2022-Incumbent

General Election results since 1975:

Image link
-AD coalition between PSD, CDS and PPM in 1979 and 1980
-FRS coalition between PS and other leftwing parties in 1980
-PCP ran alone in 1975 and 1976; Between 1979 and 1985 ran in APU coalition, and since 1987 in CDU coalition
-PàF coalition between PSD and CDS in 2015

Schedule political events during 2022:

2-3 April 2022: CDS national congress to elect a new leader
28 May 2022: PSD leadership election
1-3 July 2022: PSD national congress

Local by-elections:

10 April 2022: Góis by-election (1,743 voters)
29 May 2022: Perre by-election (2,574 voters)
29 May 2022: Santa Maria (Manteigas) by-election (1,317 voters)

So, welcome to the new thread Portugal's politics and elections 3.0.

[Mike88]

Aximage poll for CNN Portugal on Costa's new cabinet:

Q1: What's your expectations regarding the new government?

48% Good
27% Neither good or bad
17% Bad
  8% No opinion

Q2: What is your opinion about the government having more female ministers than male ministers?

56% Good
38% Neither good or bad
  4% Bad
  2% No opinion

Q3: What's your view on Fernando Medina pick as Finance minister?

41% Disapprove
32% Neither approve or disapprove
19% Approve
  8% No opinion

Poll conducted between 25 and 27 March 2022. Polled 412 voters. MoE of 4.83%

[Mike88]

Swearing in of the new Government: Marcelo warns Costa to not leave in the middle of his term, while Costa promised courage and action.

https://twitter.com/SICNoticias/status/1509227245986099212?cxt=HHwWmMC9peOL7fEpA...

President of the Republic does not want the prime minister to leave in the middle of the legislature for a post in Brussels.

This afternoon, at Ajuda National Palace, Costa and his 16 cabinet ministers, plus 38 secretaries of state, were sworn in. After the swearing in formalities, President Marcelo gave the first speech. Marcelo started his speech with the Russian invasion of Ukraine, saying that everything has changed. He said that the war will hurt the world socially and economically and that this war started due to Russia's dream of trying to be what it was in the past. He continued by saying that Portugal isn't an island and that Costa needs to give "stronger and vigorous" steps than those given by his previous government. He went on to say that the Portuguese didn't gave "absolute power" or a "dictatorship majority" and that there are no excuses or alibis now, but then he warned Costa that the "face who won without a doubt" cannot leave in the middle of his term and be substituted by another, concluding that the electorate gave the majority to a party but also to a man in particular. Marcelo promissed to cooperate with Costa and will be vigilant and attentive to any missteps or distractions.

After President Marcelo, PM Costa gave his speech. Costa began by thanking his previous cabinet for all the work they did during the pandemic. He then warned about the uncertain times of war we live and that the Portuguese want a government that "solves problems and creates opportunities". He then laid out his government priorities: Respond to the climate emergency, Digital transition, Stopping the demographic winter and Fighting inequalities. Adding to this, the PM announced that the 2022 budget is ready and will include the promisses made in the rejected budget of 2022, like tax cuts and pension increases. He also said he's aware of the "unique conditions" he has to govern and that he plans to end the stigma of low wages in Portugal. In response, sort of, to Marcelo's warning to not leave at the middle of his term, Costa said stability is guaranteed until 2026 and that the absolute majority is not absolute power, but absolute responsibility.

[Mike88]

This afternoon, the votes to elect the 4 deputy Speakers will occur in Parliament.

The PS, PSD and IL candidates will probably be easily elected, but the doubt is what will happen to CHEGA's candidate. Their first pick, MP Diogo Pacheco de Amorim, will probably fail to be elected and if that happens they will propose their Leiria district MP, Gabriel Mithá Ribeiro, in the rerun vote.

It was decided that if one candidate fails to be elected, just one rerun will be conducted. If it fails again, then the post will be let vacant.

[Mike88]

PS upset with Marcelo's warnings to Costa about a possible resignation in 2024:

https://twitter.com/expresso/status/1509529847223136261

President of the Republic says that “the prime minister's words stem from a predisposition to stay in the legislature”. Marcelo responds to PS president: "The ultimatum is not mine"

The PS is quite stunned by the words of President Marcelo warning Costa about a possible resignation in 2024, in order for Costa to run for the Presidency of the European Council. The President of the PS, Carlos César, said that Costa isn't "hostage" by the President but only by the People, while Pedro Delgado Alves, a PS MP, labeled Marcelo's speech as "peculiar" accusing Marcelo of still thinking he's a pundit.

President Marcelo has already reacted regarding the "fuss" his speech created, saying, in response to Mr César, that he didn't gave an ultimatum to Costa and if the President of Costa own party assumes he's "hostage by the People", then Costa will stay for the full 4 years.

[Mike88]

This afternoon, the votes to elect the 4 deputy Speakers will occur in Parliament.

Surprise in the MPs vote: As expected, the CHEGA candidate was rejected, but IL's candidate, the party's leader João Cotrim Figueiredo, was also rejected. Only the PS and PSD candidates were elected. CHEGA removed its original candidate and proposed a new one, Gabriel Mithá Ribeiro, while IL withdrew and will have no Deputy Speaker in the Assembly. The results were the following:

190 Adão Silva (PSD) Elected
  28 Blank ballots
    6 Invalid ballots

159 Edite Estrela (PS) Elected
  59 Blank ballots
    6 Invalid ballots

110 Blank ballots
108 João Cotrim Figueiredo (IL)
    6 Invalid ballots

183 Blank ballots
  35 Diogo Pacheco de Amorim (CHEGA)
    6 Invalid ballots

The re-vote on the CHEGA substitute has started, but it's also expected that this candidate will also fail to be elected.

[Mike88]

The re-vote on the CHEGA substitute has started, but it's also expected that this candidate will also fail to be elected.

As expected, it also failed, and CHEGA will also not have a deputy Speaker in Parliament. The results of the re-vote were the following:

177 Blank ballots
  37 Gabriel Mithá Ribeiro (CHEGA)
  11 Invalid ballots

In reaction to the defeats, IL leader João Cotrim Figueiredo said it was a "personal defeat" but that the figure of deputy Speaker has little importance and it wasn't the goal of the Liberals. He added, however, that this episode will strengthen IL.

CHEGA, on the other hand, reacted by saying that the voice of 400,000 voters will not be represented in the leadership of the Assembly, adding that this is a dark day for democracy. One of the defeated candidates from CHEGA, Gabriel Mithá Ribeiro, also reacted to his defeat by saying that by rejection him, Parliament was rejecting "Mozambican who assumed the Portuguese identity".

The main leadership of Parliament will now be composed only by PS and PSD MPs, I believe this is a first in democracy.

[Mike88]

The defeat of João Cotrim Figueiredo has ignited a blame match between PS and PSD:

The defeat of IL's leader to the deputy Speaker chair surprised many, but the PS is now blaming the PSD for not voting in Cotrim Figueiredo due to "the bad blood" between both parties. The PS caucus leader said that the majority of the PS caucus voted in favour and that the math suggests that it was the PSD that didn't vote for Mr Cotrim Figueiredo.

In response, the still PSD leader, Rui Rio, went to social media trashing the PS, accusing the PS of "a curious interpretation" because the party has an absolute majority, and could have elected all of the candidates with just their own votes.

This new Parliament and Government have just started and it's already full of "little stories" and intrigues. 

[Mike88]

Government presents their program to be discussed next week in Parliament:

https://twitter.com/dntwit/status/1509891099132776451

The general lines of the Government program. Referendum on regionalization in 2024

The Presidency minister, Mariana Vieira da Silva, unveiled this afternoon the government's program for the next 4 years and to be discussed next week in Parliament. The program follows the goals started in 2015, when Costa became PM, and focus on 4 topics: climate emergency; digital transition; demographic challenge; fight against inequalities. The minister also announced that the Government's program has been adjusted to deal with the effects of the Ukraine-Russia war and the pandemic. The main policies in the program are the following:

- Pension increases;
- Transition to a model of free kindergartens;
- Changes in the IRS tiers to benefit families;
- Debt reduction in order to gave 100% of GDP in debt by 2026;
- Minimum wage at 900 euros by 2026;
- Create a strategy to fight corruption;
- Discussion about the 4-day work week;
- Investments in the NHS and increase support to hire teachers;
- Referendum on regionalization by 2024;

Regarding the Covid Recovery Plan, for now, there will be no changes in the plan. The minister was also asked by the ongoing "fuss" of Costa's 2024 plans, and she said that it's not an issue and that the government is focused in working for 4 full years.

In reaction, Opposition parties, from left to right, are criticizing the plan: the PSD says that the program lacks "reform spirit" and that is more of the same, warning that former USSR countries are surpassing Portugal every year; CHEGA labeled the program as "propaganda" and of being full of lies; IL accuses the PS of having no idea on how to put the country growing and also accuses the government of propaganda; PCP says that the program doesn't fight inequalities and doesn't resolve Portugal's dependency from abroad; BE also points that the government's programs lacks a plan to fight against inequality and the rise of cost of living; PAN accuses the government of a "weak plan" towards a green economy, while Livre says that the world has changed but the government thinks all will pass.

[Mike88]

PSD leadership: Jorge Moreira da Silva, former Environment minister, will run for the leadership.

https://twitter.com/ECO_PT/status/1509965785946640393?cxt=HHwWksC-5br4vPQpAAAA

Jorge Moreira da Silva is a candidate for the leadership of the PSD

Former Environment minister during Passos Coelho term, Jorge Moreira da Silva, will run for the PSD leadership. The story is being reported by CNN Portugal, meaning he will face Luís Montenegro for the leadership, the only other candidate in the race so far. Mr Moreira da Silva was one of the few PSD members strongly against the PSD-CHEGA deal in the Azores and doesn't want any links between PSD and CHEGA.

In a statement on his Facebook page, Moreira da Silva posted that he would officially announce his run on 14 April.

[Mike88]

CDS leadership ballot: The party holds its congress in Guimarães to find someone who can "save the party".

https://twitter.com/expresso/status/1510164033537814530

In the race to succeed Francisco Rodrigues dos Santos, MEP Nuno Melo has the upper hand, gathering public support from the once estranged Paulo Portas and Manuel Monteiro and also former leader Assunção Cristas.

CDS-PP will have a new leader during this weekend. The party is holding its leadership congress in Guimarães city with 4 candidates on the ballot: Nuno Melo, Miguel Mattos Chaves, Nuno Correia da Silva and Bruno Filipe Costa. Nuno Melo is the clear favourite in the race, however, several party structures close to the leadership of Chicão are against Melo and could create trouble in the ballot. There's even the talk of a "surprise candidate" to show up in order to challenge Nuno Melo. The congress is also being marked by the proposed reconciliation of two big personalities in the party, Paulo Portas and Manuel Monteiro. Their feud, started in the 90's, has divided the party ever since with Monteiro even leaving CDS and forming his own party, which failed spectacularly.

The ballot will happen during this evening, and the results are expected during the early hours of Sunday's morning.

[Mike88]

CDS leadership ballot update: Nuno Melo elected as leader with 77% of the delegates.

MEP Nuno Melo has been elected as CDS leader with 77.5% of the votes. The results were announced at around 3:00 AM in the morning:

77.5% Nuno Melo (854)
  9.9% José Maria Duque (109)
  9.4% Miguel Mattos Chaves (104)
  3.2% Octávio Costa (35)

Total delegates: 1,102

[𝕭𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖎𝖘𝖙𝖆 𝕸𝖎𝖓𝖔𝖑𝖆]

Why is Fernando Medina so unpopular?

Also, do you think the PSD leadership race will be competitive or is Montenegro the overwhelming favourite?

[Mike88]

Why is Fernando Medina so unpopular?

Also, do you think the PSD leadership race will be competitive or is Montenegro the overwhelming favourite?

Well, Medina was involved in several controversies last year, mainly "Russiagate", and also other corruption scandals that made him look very bad, plus, he suffered an unexpected defeat in the local elections last September. So, basically everyone, from left to right, criticize his rehabilitation to a government post, plus, when there's deep worry about inflation and rising cost of living, many wonder if Medina is the best person to be in the crucial post of Finance minister, because of his background.

Regarding the PSD, it looks like it will be an easy ride for Montenegro. Montenegro is trying to pick up endorsements from people close to Rio and from staunch Rio opposers, thus trying to create an "unity candidacy". Moreira da Silva could gain some support, mainly from the liberal wing who doesn't like Montenegro or who don't like the PSD's strategy towards CHEGA, but he could struggle with name recognition. Other candidates may also surge, but with little support. However, we'll have to see, after all it's the PSD we're talking about.

[Mike88]

CDS leadership congress: Nuno Melo promisses an effective opposition outside Parliament

https://twitter.com/JNegocios/status/1510627492876496902?cxt=HHwWjMC9ze_s6fYpAAA...

President-elect of CDS says that the party "will return to the Assembly of the Republic" and that "it did not die for democracy in January 2022"

In his first speech as CDS leader, MEP Nuno Melo promissed to put CDS back in Parliament, but, until then, promissed to lead an effective opposition against Costa outside Parliament. Melo started his speech by talking about the war in Ukraine and thanked the presence of the Ukrainian ambassador in the party's congress. He proposed reinforcing NATO as the only way to insure peace and freedom in Europe, asked for more spending on defense and proposed reforms in the role of the United Nations. In internal affairs, Melo trashed the PS government's record accusing Costa of dividing society. He also accused Costa of "killing" the democracy in teaching and of imposing ideology in schools. He went on saying that CDS is ready for snap elections, warning that Costa "has his eyes in Terreiro do Paço, but his heart in Brussels".

[Mike88]

PSD leadership update: Ribau Esteves will not run.

The mayor of Aveiro city, Ribau Esteves, announced this Monday morning that he will not run for the party's leadership. He said that he was unable to gather "troops" in order to win the ballot and that he was not going to run just to make a point or be on the 8 o'clock news. His goal, he said, is to help the PSD open a radical new chapter in its history. However, he also announced he will not support Luís Montenegro but is open to support Jorge Moreira da Silva, the other candidate in the race.

Luís Montenegro is expected to publicly present his candidacy next Wednesday, and Jorge Moreira da Silva by 14 April. Other candidates may emerge, but it's becoming more and more likely that the 28 May ballot will probably be a two man race.

[Mike88]

Europe is governed by these people:

Irish Finance minister and Eurogroup chairman talking about how happy he was to meet Fernando Pessoa's widow in Lisbon when Mario Centeno was Finance Minister:

https://twitter.com/dvalente/status/1511257667393794051

Fernando Pessoa died in 1935. He was never married. xD He's confusing Pessoa with Saramago, but Medina's face is also hilarious.

[Mike88]

CHEGA to force a rejection motion against Costa's government during the Government's Program debate:

https://twitter.com/Publico/status/1511371720329990149

Assembly of the Republic: Chega will present a motion to reject the Government Program on Friday to test PSD and IL

CHEGA will present a motion of rejection to the government during this week's Government Program debate in Parliament. The motion is dead on arrival, as PS has 120 MPs, but Ventura wants to force PSD and IL to take a position and want to see how much of an opposition PSD and IL will be to the PS majority government. He added that this vote is to "reposition the rightwing and the opposition" and that the PS program is totally contrary to the PSD, CHEGA and IL electoral platforms and that it's important to see how they vote. Ventura, however, also apologized to PSD and IL for not personally communicate to the two parties he was presenting the motion. Ventura also accuses the government of being "inept" for proposing a completely vague program as Portugal is facing the consequences from the Ukraine-Russia war. The vote will be on Friday.

[Mike88]

PSD leadership: Luís Montenegro presents his candidacy defending that Portugal needs a "watchfull opposition".

https://twitter.com/cmjornal/status/1511652663720558597

Videos - "Portugal needs an attentive opposition": Luís Montenegro announces candidacy for PSD presidency

In his public announcement of his candidacy, in the PSD National Headquarters, Luís Montenegro defended that Portugal needs a watchfull opposition against a Socialist government that is creating more poverty, taxes and debt. He said he's ready to be Prime Minister and ready to go to power at any time, reminding the warning that President Marcelo gave to Costa regarding snap elections. He also said that the PSD needs to lead the "non-socialist" space and be the home of those who don't want the PS. His slogan to the leadership ballot is "Believe".

However, if many thought that the PSD leadership election would happen smoothly, think again. The PSD tribunal is analysing a complaint sent by several PSD members that the leadership ballot is illegal, as Rio never formally resigned as party leader. A decision on this complaint could be given next week, and an acceptance of the complaint by the Tribunal could postpone the ballot.

[Mike88]

Zelensky speech in the Portuguese Parliament: PCP was the sole vote against the invitation, as the rest of the parties approved.

The PCP announced they voted against the invitation to Volodymyr Zelensky to speak in the Portuguese Parliament. At first, it was reported that all parties approved, but then PCP did a press conference saying they voted against and giving its reasons. They say that the invitation will not give peace to Ukraine and that Parliament should not be used to escalate the war. A date for the speech is yet to be known.

[GM Team Member and Senator WB]

Zelensky speech in the Portuguese Parliament: PCP was the sole vote against the invitation, as the rest of the parties approved.

The PCP announced they voted against the invitation to Volodymyr Zelensky to speak in the Portuguese Parliament. At first, it was reported that all parties approved, but then PCP did a press conference saying they voted against and giving its reasons. They say that the invitation will not give peace to Ukraine and that Parliament should not be used to escalate the war. A date for the speech is yet to be known.

Why do so many far-left parties seem to not realize Russia isn't the USSR anymore and still simp for them

[Flyersfan232]

CDS leadership congress: Nuno Melo promisses an effective opposition outside Parliament

https://twitter.com/JNegocios/status/1510627492876496902?cxt=HHwWjMC9ze_s6fYpAAA...

President-elect of CDS says that the party "will return to the Assembly of the Republic" and that "it did not die for democracy in January 2022"

In his first speech as CDS leader, MEP Nuno Melo promissed to put CDS back in Parliament, but, until then, promissed to lead an effective opposition against Costa outside Parliament. Melo started his speech by talking about the war in Ukraine and thanked the presence of the Ukrainian ambassador in the party's congress. He proposed reinforcing NATO as the only way to insure peace and freedom in Europe, asked for more spending on defense and proposed reforms in the role of the United Nations. In internal affairs, Melo trashed the PS government's record accusing Costa of dividing society. He also accused Costa of "killing" the democracy in teaching and of imposing ideology in schools. He went on saying that CDS is ready for snap elections, warning that Costa "has his eyes in Terreiro do Paço, but his heart in Brussels".

how do u have effective opposition outside of of the assembly

[Mike88]

Why do so many far-left parties seem to not realize Russia isn't the USSR anymore and still simp for them

The Communists reaction to the Ukraine invasion has been a total disaster. They are literally becoming a pariah in Portuguese politics. Indeed, they still see Russia today like they saw the USSR in the 70's and 80's, and over and over again, try to make up excuses for Putin's actions. Regarding the massacre in Bucha, they want an independent investigation because there are previous examples of "manipulation operations". It's mind boggling.

how do u have effective opposition outside of of the assembly

It will be very, very complicated for CDS. They still have seats in local and regional governments, plus in the European Parliament, and a considerable media presence, but it will be very difficult to grow and oppose Costa outside Parliament, and pundits weren't very kind to Melo's speech, saying it was weak and that it had little, or no, impact.

[Mike88]

First day of the Government Program debate: Costa announces temporary fuel tax cut and pledges to be 4 years in power.

https://twitter.com/RTPNoticias/status/1512089259829706757

Parliament debates socialist government program

Parliament started today, 7 April, debating Costa's 3rd government program since 2015. In his opening remarks, PM Costa announced a temporary fuel tax cut, until the EU approves the VAT cut, and announced other measures to help families and businesses due to rising inflation. Costa said he would not abandon Portugal and that he plans to be in power for the next four years. In response, PSD leader Rui Rio asked the PM is wages will be updated due to inflation and also asked about TAP airlines. The PSD leader also said that if Costa doesn't have an answer to wages, it's because he duped people, even if some like to be duped. Costa responded by asking Rio if he wants a 2nd round of elections, and regarding wages, he said that we need to fully the understand the nature of the current inflation rise. Ventura, CHEGA, trashed the government accusing them of lying regarding the NHS and said that the Ukrainian President speech in Parliament would be a good opportunity for Medina to be "punished", because of his role in "Russiagate" last year.

In response, Costa joked that Ventura was casting to be a pundit and that Ventura doesn't do his "homework" well. IL leader, João Cotrim Figueiredo, was ironic claiming that "now it will be" regarding Costa's policies. Cotrim said that the government has no plan of reforms and no idea on how to make the country grow. Costa also responded with irony, saying that IL is like a Coca-Cola ad, in which that the communication is good, but the product is bad, adding that if IL looks closer, they will find reforms in the program. PCP criticized the program warning that it has no solutions to the rising cost of living, in which Costa replied that the program is a continuation of the path started in 2015. BE said that the government was leaving behind people that only live with their wages, and Costa responded that the "world isn't perfect" and that everything would be easier if there was no war or pandemic, but that the government is proposing policies to mitigate the situation. PAN accused the program of being vague on environment issues, something that Costa denied, while Livre advised the government to use the recovery plan funds to invest in housing and fight against energy poverty.

Tomorrow, it will be the 2nd and final day of the debate and the motion of rejection, proposed by CHEGA, will be voted. PS, PCP and BE have said they will vote against, while PSD announced it will abstain.

[Mike88]

2nd, and last, day of the Government's program debate: Rejection motion defeated.

The results: (226 of 230 MPs voting)

133 Against (PS, PCP, BE, Livre, PAN)
  12 In favour (CHEGA)
  81 Abstention (PSD, IL)

In the final closing arguments of the debate, the opposition criticized the government's lack of understanding of the current international situation and its consequences to the Portuguese economy. The most tense moment was Ventura's speech, in which he was heckled by other MPs and interrupted by the Speaker when he criticized the Romani community. The Speaker warned Ventura to not blame anyone, in which Ventura responded by saying that no one, not even the Speaker, would limit his speaking time and that he was being censored.

On the government's part, minister Mariana Vieira da Silva trashed the opposition because of their negative tone towards the government and added that every omens has been denied year after year. She said that the pessimism of the opposition was defeated in the ballot box and that the government has a 4 year project, adding that the cabinet is focused on the recovery of the country and fighting inequalities.