“We need confidence,” says Seguro
Former Socialist Party (PS) leader António José Seguro has officially confirmed his candidacy for President of the Republic. The announcement came on Tuesday in a video posted on social media.
“I’m running for President because I believe our country needs change and hope for a better life,” Seguro said. “What we’re missing isn’t just stability – it’s trust. Trust in our institutions. Trust that those in power serve, and don’t serve themselves. Trust that we will leave our children more than what we got from our parents.”
Seguro, who led the Socialist Party from 2011 to 2014, made clear he’s positioning himself as an outsider to traditional politics, despite his own political résumé. “I’m not coming from traditional politics. I come with the will to serve Portugal with seriousness, independence, and action.”
He also called for what he described as a “democracy of trust” – one in which “people believe their votes matter, justice is equal for all, politicians answer for what they do and the State shows up where it’s needed, with ethics, competence, and transparency.”
Taking a swipe at establishment figures, Seguro added: “People are tired of empty promises, party games, and speeches that solve nothing.”
The latest presidential hopeful closed his statement declaring: “I am free. I live without ties.”
His announcement came less than a week after Henrique Gouveia Melo, the former Navy Chief and considered the frontrunner in the race, officially confirmed his bid.
