🇵🇹 Portugal's politics and elections 3.0

[crals]

I have to admit I am impressed at the bold-faced embrace of Salazar nostalgia.

Well, it's coming from an extremely fringe party that toes the line of constitutionality.

[Estrella]

Why didn’t Salazar develop a cult of personality like Franco anyway? Is it just that he didn’t represent the winning side of a brutal civil war, or was it something about his rule? Tbh I get the impression that Salazar was a fundamentally boring man with zero interest in ideology who would’ve been equally happy to spend his life as a paper-pushing civil servant, but I’m not sure how accurate that is.

[Mike88]

Why didn’t Salazar develop a cult of personality like Franco anyway? Is it just that he didn’t represent the winning side of a brutal civil war, or was it something about his rule? Tbh I get the impression that Salazar was a fundamentally boring man with zero interest in ideology who would’ve been equally happy to spend his life as a paper-pushing civil servant, but I’m not sure how accurate that is.

Salazar was deeply Catholic and, from what I've read about it, he viewed cults of personality as a "pagan" thing and ran way from that kind of stuff. But, of course, his image was used abundantly by the regime as propaganda and fear. The story of the "Salazar Bridge" is actually funny: Salazar didn't liked the idea of building a bridge, as it would cost a lot of money, but, because it was overwhelmingly financed by foreign banks, he conceded. When the bridge opened, it was named after him, something he didn't liked at all, and until the revolution, the bridge was mostly known as the "Bridge over the Tagus", despite the official name being Salazar.

Also, his own party, the National Union, was much more a section of the government rather than a political movement, as it didn't had any power at all. I wouldn't say he didn't had any interest in ideology, as he was strongly anti-Communist and anti-Liberalism, but he was mostly a tecnocrat, deeply humble to an unhealthy degree, but with tough political positions.

[Mike88]

On the campaign trail, the day was marked by Pedro Nuno Santos' "double flip-flop" regarding a PSD minority:

https://twitter.com/cnnportugal/status/1760374141293625661

Another reversal: Pedro Nuno Santos admits backing down on his promise to make a minority AD government viable

After surprisingly suggesting at the debate with Luís Montenegro, just 48 hours ago, that the PS would not block a PSD minority, Pedro Nuno Santos made a "double flip-flop" today, by saying that because the PSD wasn't responding to the PS, they don't have an "obligation" to let the PSD government. But, just a few hours later he "tried" to retract his new position by saying he was misunderstood and that he still wants reciprocity from the PSD. Confused?

[Mike88]

Mariana Mortágua's grandmother rent story had a new update today:

https://twitter.com/SICNoticias/status/1760630845000544718

Sábado magazine reveals that she was 78 years old when the law was approved in 2012, which protected her from evictions and significant increases in income, which were only allowed for those under 65.

During the debates, Mariana Mortágua, BE leader, in order to attack the PSD and its previous and current housing policies, told the story of her grandmother's distress when she received a letter from her landlord about possible big increases in rents, and that she could even be evicted. Many doubted the story, but Mortágua pressed on its veracity. But, Sábado magazine investigated this story and discovered that, well, it has, lets say, a few problems. Mortágua's grandmother resides in a rented apartment in Alvalade parish, Lisbon city, pays a 400 euros per month rent and her landlord is a private charity foundation (IPSS). The charity said that in the case of Mortágua's grandmother, she indeed received letters but only to inform her of the increases set by law for people her age, around 1% per year, and nothing about evictions. In her area of residence, average rents are between 1,600 to 2,000 euros. Mortágua responded to this investigation saying that she stands 100% by her story, adding that she refuses to align herself with a "far-right campaign" against her.

[Mike88]

The comic relief moment of the campaign today:

https://twitter.com/Publico/status/1760620609606713383

Chega complained about being shot at — in the end, it was a motorcycle from their entourage.

André Ventura shared on social media this Wednesday that Chega's caravan was met by gunfire in Vila Nova de Famalicão, in a publication accompanied by a video that was also shared by the party.

“Chega’s caravan is greeted by gunfire in Famalicão. Shots! Are we going to allow the same old people to act with total impunity?” asked the party leader, in the same publication, published at 7:45 pm this Wednesday.

In a statement sent at 11pm on Wednesday, the Braga PSP District Command said that in the video “a sound similar to the shooting of a firearm is audible, which is repeated four times” during the passage of a truck, and several light vehicles on Rebelo Mesquita Avenue, in Vila Nova de Famalicão, with images alluding to the Chega party.

Given the sharing of the video on social media, where “it is suggested that the Chega party caravan was shot in the city of Vila Nova de Famalicão”, the PSP stressed that it found that “these were 'raters' produced by a motorcycle that followed in the caravan.”

The police force detailed that at the time the caravan passed by, a PSP team was patrolling the fairgrounds and, upon noticing the sounds, left the grounds and found the origin of the sounds, ruling out that they were gunshots.

[Mike88]

Today's polling from RTP and TVI/CNN Portugal:

UCP-CESOP poll for RTP and Público newspaper:

Vote share %:

35% PSD/CDS/PPM (+3)
29% PS (+1)
17% CHEGA (-2)
  6% IL (nc)
  4% BE (-1)
  3% Livre (nc)
  2% CDU (nc)
  1% PAN (nc)
  3% Others/Invalid (-1)

Poll conducted between 19 and 21 February 2024. Polled 1,284 voters. MoE of 2.70%.

Duplimétrica-IPESPE poll for TVI/CNN Portugal:

Vote share %:

29% PSD/CDS/PPM
26% PS
20% CHEGA
  7% IL
  4% BE
  3% Livre
  2% CDU
  2% PAN
  7% Others/Invalid

Poll conducted between 10 and 20 February 2024. Polled 800 voters. MoE of 3.50%.

[Conservatopia]

Portuguese polling is dogshit and I'm all here for it.

[Mike88]

Portuguese polling is dogshit and I'm all here for it.

Unfortunately, that's a bit true. Lets see how they perform this time, but to think that just 4 years ago, polling in Portugal was very much reliable and now it's just one failure after another.

Also, the party leaders debate just ended on RTP1, and the highlight of the whole debate, literally, was when climate activists invaded the debate stage and threw red paint against the windows:

https://twitter.com/BilbiaOfissial/status/1761138210061623312

[Mike88]

Party leaders debate on RTP1:

The 8 party leaders that have seats in Parliament, debated this evening on RTP1. As the debate was starting and Pedro Nuno Santos was responding about his "flip-flops" on the future government formation, climate activists invaded the debate stage, who were quickly removed from stage, but the protests were still audible and as the candidates were speaking, red paint was thrown against the glass windows. After this incident, Nuno Santos tried to clarify his position on the possibility of the PS supporting a PSD minority, with him returning to the position of last Monday debate, but confused the moderator when he said that in the scenario of a right-wing majority, he would also not block a PSD government. Montenegro was, again, very vague if he would support a PS minority, saying he's only focused on winning and criticized the PS for its confusing positions. That evening's RTP poll was used to ask other parties their possible positions in the next Parliament, with Ventura saying that CHEGA has stabilized and without them "there is no right-wing majority". Rui Rocha (IL) pressed that he will never support a PS government, while PCP leader Paulo Raimundo criticized the constant discussion of who will support who, or not, saying it doesn't have any content. Mortágua (BE) said that this election is about "alternatives" and that the only viable path is a left-wing majority. PAN leader talked about climate issues and used the activists' incident to highlight that, while Tavares warned that a right-wing majority will lead to ungovernability.

On policy, the Justice system entered in the debate. Nuno Santos is open to reforms in the Justice system and accused the PSD of double standards regarding Costa and Albuquerque, while IL wants a Justice that works and BE proposes to explain to the people the due diligence of Justice when it has impact on democratic life. CHEGA said that investigations are hurt when parties aren't coherent, while Montenegro, like PNS, is open to reforms in the system, mainly in the slow resolution of cases and jail time until being presented to a judge, but accused the PS of forgetting that Costa's resignation was the 14th in less than two years, a remark that Nuno Santos criticized. The other minor parties, PCP, PAN and Livre pressed that Justice is not responding the the people's problems. On healthcare, Nuno Santos and Montenegro "battled" regarding the state of the NHS and the discussion of a "public or private" solution. Montenegro said he wants to save the NHS after 8 years of mismanagement, while PNS pressed on more wage increases for NHS workers. The Liberals accused the PS of creating a NHS that "doesn't work" and want a "solution", with PNS accusing them of just wanting to pass "bank checks". PCP says that the NHS problem is low wages, while Ventura criticized Nuno Santos for being member of a government that is "failing" on healthcare. Mortágua said that the NHS needs more resources and autonomy and wants to expand mental and oral treatments, while Tavares wants to attract doctors and nurses who immigrated back to Portugal. On the economy and wages, PCP criticized the corporate tax cuts proposed by the right-wing, while Montenegro is "optimistic" in Portugal's productivity capacity that will assure strong economic growth. Nuno Santos highlighted the strong GDP numbers of the last few years, and trashed the "fiscal shock" proposed by the PSD. CHEGA used this remark from PNS to say that Portugal already has a "fiscal shock" with one of highest tax burdens and lower wages in the EU. Livre criticized the constant changes on economic policy from the right-wing, IL proposed big tax cuts and Mortágua, like PCP, criticized corporate tax cuts as, she said, it will only benefit big business. PAN proposed a minimum wage of 1,100 euros.

[Mike88]

Livre's election manifesto:

Did a recap of the thread and found out that I missed the Livre election manifesto. The manifesto is called "Contract with the Future" and its main policies are:

- Minimum wage at 1,150 euros by 2028;
- Risk and service support for police (PSP) and national guards (GNR);
- Reach 10% of public housing;
- Review of IRS rates and brackets;
- Convergence of low-value pensions with the minimum wage by 2028;
- Reform of the formula for calculating social security pensions;
- Creation of the Unconditional Basic Income;
- Creation of a "social heritage" to help fight poverty;
- Increase wages to all NHS workers;
- Increase to 14 weeks the right to an abortion, end the "3-day reflection" and increase mental support;
- Reimbursement of prescription drugs for veterans;
- 1% GDP in spending on Culture by 2028;
- Lower the voting age to 16 years old and expand mail overseas voting to all elections;

[Mike88]

First day of the official campaign:

- The official campaign period started this Sunday at midnight, and parties and/or coalitions have already started campaign events all across the country.

- The PS and AD started the campaign in the North of the country. Pedro Nuno Santos started the campaign in Matosinhos, Porto district, with a lunch-rally, pressing on a topic raised yesterday, by minister José Luís Carneiro, that there are "secret meetings" between the right-wing parties and that the PSD is responsable for one the "darkest periods in democracy". Luís Montenegro and the AD campaign in 3 different districts, Porto, Bragança and Vila Real, ending with a rally in the last one, promising that he will not cut pensions and that he's confident in victory;

- CHEGA made a walkabout in downtown Porto city, but the rain, cold and wind made the event very small and not "TV ready". Ventura also had to answer questions regarding reports of "shady" financing of the party. The Liberals started the campaign with an event in Setúbal district, criticizing the Education policies of the PS government, while Mariana Mortágua (BE) spent the weekend "trashing" the right-wing as on Saturday she accused CHEGA and IL of being financed by millionaires, and today accused the AD of having policies that will set the country back;

- CDU started with a rally in Porto city, in which Paulo Raimundo criticized the privatization of many services, PAN leader Inês Sousa Real did a walkabout with dogs and highlighted the bad state of the railways, while Rui Tavares (Livre) warned that the "democratic contract" as we know it, is at risk;

- The TV campaign broadcasts have already started. A few from the major parties:

PS - Socialist Party:

PSD/CDS/PPM - Democratic Alliance (AD):

IL - Liberal Initiative:

BE - Left Bloc:

Livre:

- The first tracking poll was also released this evening and shows a tie between AD and PS:

Duplimétrica-IPESPE tracking poll for TVI/CNN Portugal:

Vote share %:

28% PSD/CDS/PPM (-1)
28% PS (+2)
20% CHEGA (nc)
  7% IL (nc)
  6% BE (+2)
  3% Livre (nc)
  2% CDU (nc)
  1% PAN (-1)
  5% Others/Invalid (-2)

Poll conducted between 21 and 23 February 2024. Polled 600 voters. MoE of 4.10%.

- Early voting registration also opened this Sunday and lasts until Thursday. Those who registered to vote early, will be able to cast ballots next Sunday, 3 March;

- Tomorrow morning, the last debate will be held. It will be broadcast by 4 radio stations, Renascença, Antena1, TSF and Observador and all party leaders were invited. André Ventura (CHEGA) has announced that he will not be present at the debate;

[Mike88]

The Final Debate: Party leaders, without Ventura, debated on the radio this morning.

With André Ventura, CHEGA leader, absent, the 7 party leaders with seats in Parliament debated this morning on a joint radio broadcast by Antena1, Renascença, TSF and Observador radios. The debate started with Social Security (SS), with Pedro Nuno Santos proposing a "structural reform" of the system, in order to diversify its source of funds, something also supported by IL leader Rui Rocha. BE leader Mariana Mortágua warned about proposals to "privatize" Social Security, and PCP leader Paulo Raimundo pressed that the only way to increase funds to SS is to increase wages. PAN challenged the PS to renegotiate the PPPs of highways, while Tavares proposed a tax on big fortunes. Meanwhile, AD leader Luís Montenegro arrived at the debate after being stuck in traffic due to Lisbon's rush hour and the bad weather. The AD is open to discuss possible changes in the SS system, but doesn't want big changes. On Justice, both PS and AD are open to reforms, with Nuno Santos wanting to clarify the management of the Public Prosecutor, while Montenegro says that the current Attorney-General, Lucília Gago, hasn't been doing a good job. Rocha asked for "peace of mind in assessing justice", while Raimundo rejected any pacts between PS and PSD. Sousa Real (PAN) warned about the "politicization" of the Justice system, and Tavares says that CHEGA cannot be part of a possible Justice pact.

On the issue of governability, Pedro Nuno Santos pressed that he would let an AD minority pass in Parliament, but doesn't rule rejecting an AD budget. Montenegro pointed that his goal is to win and that he will only discuss what he will do in case of victory, while Rui Rocha rejected any possibility of supporting a PS minority. Mortágua is open to signing a written agreement with the PS, something the PNS agreed to, while PCP wants to discuss the content, nor scenarios. PAN rejected calls for tactical voting, while Tavares, once again, pushed CHEGA to the debate asking what will this party do. On Defense, Montenegro rejects the return of the compulsory military service and highlighted that his allies are NATO and the EU, asking the PS if they want to "hold hands" with parties anti-NATO and anti-EU. Nuno Santos promised to fulfill the commitments with NATO on military spending and industry. Mortágua defends peace and doesn't want Portugal "subjugated to the economic interests of other countries", while Raimundo wants better conditions to army personnel. PAN says they are anti-violence, but that the current moment requires an effort for dialogue, with Livre wants more support and aid to war veterans. On Ukraine, all parties defend that Portugal should continue to support, militarily and financially, Ukraine, with the exception of PCP which only defends supports to "negociate peace". On electoral reform, parties do not agree on a compensation constituency nor in the abolition of reflection day. The ban of cell phones in schools is supported by all parties, with the exception of IL, who wants schools to decide that.

And that's it. The long 3-week marathon of debates is now over. Election day is in 13 days.

[GM Team Member and Deputy PPT WB]

Do you think PAN or Livre will gain/lose seats?

[Mike88]

Do you think PAN or Livre will gain/lose seats?

Livre, the consensus is that, yes, they will gain seats, mainly in Lisbon, perhaps Setúbal. Porto is a big question mark, as Livre is a more "Lisbon bubble" party. PAN, I don't have a clue. If you look at polls, there's not much hope for them other than retaining their sole seat, but polls are not very reliable. The party has had a lot internal infighting, their previous leader, André Silva, even left the party a few weeks ago. In Madeira last year, a deep internal row almost split the party, but they were still able to win a seat. So, not sure.

[Mike88]

Campaign update:

The 2nd day of the official campaign period was marked by the surprise appearance of former PM and PSD leader Pedro Passos Coelho in an AD rally in Faro city, Algarve:

Passos Coelho told supporters that he believes that Luís Montenegro will be the next PM and that he appeared in order to "retribute" the support that Montenegro gave him while he was PM and party leader. Passos went on to remember his government "had no money" and pointed that 9 years later, so many problems are yet to be resolved, accusing the PS of just offering to the country an "immense void". He accused the government of failing to tackle insecurity, and of making the State the "owner of the country", pressing on Education which he accused the Socialists of "imposing a way of thinking" and that AD wants people to think with their own heads. He ended by saying that the country needs to breakaway from the "day-by-day governance", full of political opportunism and small rewards and that Portugal needs a change.

Duplimétrica-IPESPE tracking poll for TVI/CNN Portugal:

Vote share %:

33% PSD/CDS/PPM (+5)
26% PS (-2)
17% CHEGA (-3)
  7% IL (nc)
  5% BE (-1)
  3% Livre (nc)
  2% CDU (nc)
  1% PAN (nc)
  1% ADN (new)
  5% Others/Invalid (nc)

Poll conducted between 23 and 25 February 2024. Polled 600 voters. MoE of 4.10%.

[Flyersfan232]

Campaign update:

The 2nd day of the official campaign period was marked by the surprise appearance of former PM and PSD leader Pedro Passos Coelho in an AD rally in Faro city, Algarve:

Passos Coelho told supporters that he believes that Luís Montenegro will be the next PM and that he appeared in order to "retribute" the support that Montenegro gave him while he was PM and party leader. Passos went on to remember his government "had no money" and pointed that 9 years later, so many problems are yet to be resolved, accusing the PS of just offering to the country an "immense void". He accused the government of failing to tackle insecurity, and of making the State the "owner of the country", pressing on Education which he accused the Socialists of "imposing a way of thinking" and that AD wants people to think with their own heads. He ended by saying that the country needs to breakaway from the "day-by-day governance", full of political opportunism and small rewards and that Portugal needs a change.

Duplimétrica-IPESPE tracking poll for TVI/CNN Portugal:

Vote share %:

33% PSD/CDS/PPM (+5)
26% PS (-2)
17% CHEGA (-3)
  7% IL (nc)
  5% BE (-1)
  3% Livre (nc)
  2% CDU (nc)
  1% PAN (nc)
  1% ADN (new)
  5% Others/Invalid (nc)

Poll conducted between 23 and 25 February 2024. Polled 600 voters. MoE of 4.10%.

AD: 94
PS: 72
CH: 37
IL: 13
BE: 7
CDU: 4
LIVRE: 3
PAN: 0

[Mike88]

Vote share %:

33% PSD/CDS/PPM (+5)
26% PS (-2)
17% CHEGA (-3)
  7% IL (nc)
  5% BE (-1)
  3% Livre (nc)
  2% CDU (nc)
  1% PAN (nc)
  1% ADN (new)
  5% Others/Invalid (nc)

Poll conducted between 23 and 25 February 2024. Polled 600 voters. MoE of 4.10%.

AD: 94
PS: 72
CH: 37
IL: 13
BE: 7
CDU: 4
LIVRE: 3
PAN: 0

If this was the election result, the AD would be able to govern alone as a minority, as they would get more seats than all the left combined, 94-86. But, to be honest, I'm very skeptical of the polls. Their track record has been a mess in the last few years, so my advise is caution, caution, caution. I still believe the final result will be very close between PS and AD.

[Battista Minola 1616]

Maybe it's my personal bias or an accident of how you picked one video out of many for each party, but I liked that PS campaign video much more than the AD one - obviously the PS has the advantage (arguable) of a government record to run on but it's striking how Montenegro offers zero concrete ideas there. In that sense the IL one is more enticing even if I am not a right-liberal, although it also sounds too overconfident to be taken completely seriously.

I think we should get a CHEGA campaign video here as well, even though I am afraid of how it might sound like.

[Mike88]

Maybe it's my personal bias or an accident of how you picked one video out of many for each party, but I liked that PS campaign video much more than the AD one - obviously the PS has the advantage (arguable) of a government record to run on but it's striking how Montenegro offers zero concrete ideas there. In that sense the IL one is more enticing even if I am not a right-liberal, although it also sounds too overconfident to be taken completely seriously.

I think we should get a CHEGA campaign video here as well, even though I am afraid of how it might sound like.

Of the major parties, only found one more from CDU. I still haven't found TV election broadcasts from CHEGA and PAN:

CDU - Unitarian Democratic Coalition (PCP-PEV)

But, there are also the minor party's election broadcasts.

RIR - React, Include, Recycle: (basically only Tino de Rans)

JPP - Together for the People:

Alternative 21 (MPT/Alliance): (just the candidate's remarks at the RTP debate)

Volt Portugal:

E - Rise Up!:

ND - New Right:

I actually think both PS and AD broadcasts are very tiring. PS is just "the past, the past" and nothing more. The AD is just bland and tasteless, basically just free stock videos of people smiling and with the word "hope" as a backdrop. I actually found the IL video quite cringe, especially the part of the newshour.

[Battista Minola 1616]

- snip -

I actually think both PS and AD broadcasts are very tiring. PS is just "the past, the past" and nothing more. The AD is just bland and tasteless, basically just free videos of people smiling and with the word "hope" as a backdrop. I actually found the IL video quite cringe, especially the part of the newshour.

Thank you for these! I'm sure the RIR one will make me, uh, rir.

And yes I agree the IL video devolves into "cringe" but it definitely a coherent policy message which could resonate with people.

[Mike88]

- snip -

I actually think both PS and AD broadcasts are very tiring. PS is just "the past, the past" and nothing more. The AD is just bland and tasteless, basically just free videos of people smiling and with the word "hope" as a backdrop. I actually found the IL video quite cringe, especially the part of the newshour.

Thank you for these! I'm sure the RIR one will make me, uh, rir.

And yes I agree the IL video devolves into "cringe" but it definitely a coherent policy message which could resonate with people.

"Vamos votar no calceteiro" (Let's vote for the cobbler) has that Northern Portuguese folk singalong. It's catchy. You're right that IL hits a "nerve" regarding the exodus of young people from Portugal.

Well, the 3rd day of official campaign was completely dominated by the past... Passos Coelho, of course:

The campaign day was dominated by Passos Coelho appearance at an AD rally yesterday. His remarks on insecurity and immigration, forced Luís Montenegro to explain that what he meant was that if we don't integrate well immigrants in Portugal, it will creat insecurity for them and for us all. Montenegro also pledge to resign if he's forced to cut pensions.

Pedro Nuno Santos and the PS spent the day in Madeira, and accused Passos and Montenegro of being "two sides of the same coin", while also pressing Montenegro regarding the candidacy of Miguel Albuquerque to another term as PSD-Madeira leader.

Ventura promised that he will give the "biggest pension rise" in Portuguese history if he's elected, and also talked about Passos Coelho, saying that he may one day join CHEGA. Rui Rocha (IL) said that immigration has to be "dignified" and with "rights", accusing the PS of leading the country to the current situation. Mortágua criticized Passos for linking immigration with insecurity. Raimundo (CDU) spent the day in Alverca, talking to voters.

Duplimétrica-IPESPE tracking poll for TVI/CNN Portugal:

Vote share %:

33% PSD/CDS/PPM (nc)
26% PS (nc)
17% CHEGA (nc)
  6% IL (-1)
  5% BE (nc)
  3% Livre (nc)
  2% CDU (nc)
  1% PAN (nc)
  1% ADN (nc)
  6% Others/Invalid (+1)

Poll conducted between 24 and 26 February 2024. Polled 600 voters. MoE of 4.10%.

[VPH]

A bizarre moment as R.I.R. founder Tino De Rans accuses PAN (the animal rights party) of ripping off one of his songs, where he sings "bread bread with butter." Tino is a quirky singer and the song's been around for some years now.

In one of their promotional materials, PAN made a pun with their abbreviation to say "PAN PAN with butter -- vegan is so good." Keep in mind that the word for bread is pão, hence the pun. It's hard to deny that they ripped him off...
 
https://www.noticiasaominuto.com/politica/2509253/pan-com-manteiga-rir-acusa-pan-de-se-apropriar-de-frase-de-tino-rans

[Mike88]

A bizarre moment as R.I.R. founder Tino De Rans accuses PAN (the animal rights party) of ripping off one of his songs, where he sings "bread bread with butter." Tino is a quirky singer and the song's been around for some years now.

In one of their promotional materials, PAN made a pun with their abbreviation to say "PAN PAN with butter -- vegan is so good." Keep in mind that the word for bread is pão, hence the pun. It's hard to deny that they ripped him off...
 
https://www.noticiasaominuto.com/politica/2509253/pan-com-manteiga-rir-acusa-pan-de-se-apropriar-de-frase-de-tino-rans

You also have a similar situation between BE and Portuguese singer Pedro Abrunhosa who is accusing BE of using without his permission lyrics from one of his song as the party's electoral slogan and filed a complaint:

https://twitter.com/expresso/status/1758824527113404545

Pedro Abrunhosa says that the Left Bloc slogan is “misappropriation” and files a complaint with the SPA

Pedro Abrunhosa wants the Left Bloc posters with the phrase "do what has never been done" to be immediately removed from the streets. The musician says that the phrase was his own and has already filed a complaint with the Portuguese Society of Authors. It also clarifies that if BE had requested prior authorization, he would have refused.

[GM Team Member and Deputy PPT WB]

A bizarre moment as R.I.R. founder Tino De Rans accuses PAN (the animal rights party) of ripping off one of his songs, where he sings "bread bread with butter." Tino is a quirky singer and the song's been around for some years now.

In one of their promotional materials, PAN made a pun with their abbreviation to say "PAN PAN with butter -- vegan is so good." Keep in mind that the word for bread is pão, hence the pun. It's hard to deny that they ripped him off...
 
https://www.noticiasaominuto.com/politica/2509253/pan-com-manteiga-rir-acusa-pan-de-se-apropriar-de-frase-de-tino-rans

Reminds me to ask, aside from RIR having Tino de Rans’ quirky personality attached, what exactly are the differences between RIR and PAN? From the outside they both seem like kinda centrish or syncretic environmentalist parties.