PS prepares elections for late June, early July, with Carneiro as only likely candidate
After a historic defeat in last Sunday’s legislative elections, the Socialist Party (PS) is moving quickly to restore internal stability, clearing the path for José Luís Carneiro to become its next leader, with no challengers expected.
Former ministers Mariana Vieira da Silva and Fernando Medina, at first seen as strong contenders, formally withdrew from the race on Thursday, along with Ana Catarina Mendes and Duarte Cordeiro. Their withdrawal is widely viewed as a coordinated move to avoid a contested leadership battle and present a unified front behind Carneiro.
According to Expresso newspaper, the decision not to run was made collectively in the name of “party unity” – a key concern after PS recorded its third-worst electoral result ever, prompting Pedro Nuno Santos – who had defeated Carneiro in the PS leadership vote in 2023 – to resign as party secretary-general.
José Luís Carneiro, former Minister of Internal Administration, had signalled his readiness to lead within hours of Pedro Nuno Santos’ resignation. Since then, no other candidacies have emerged.
“I’ve made myself available, in dialogue with my fellow members, to serve PS and the country,” said Carneiro after the election. “This dialogue must continue, and the party’s decision-making bodies will soon consider the proposal being prepared by our president.”
In other words, Carneiro is the only Socialist who has confirmed his bid for PS leadership.
Fernando Medina, former Finance Minister under António Costa, called for the need for sober reflection rather than immediate competition. “PS must undertake a deep, lucid, and cold reflection on the new political reality, which is particularly demanding not just for our party, but for Portuguese democracy.”
Meanwhile, former Presidency Minister Mariana Vieira da Silva, who had initially expressed interest in running, ultimately stepped back, citing the need to avoid internal conflict ahead of the upcoming municipal elections. On Instagram, she explained her choice as one meant to respect the party’s call for unity and thoughtful introspection.
According to a PS source, cited by Lusa news agency, party president Carlos César announced plans to propose immediate elections for the post of secretary-general, likely to be held between late June and early July. This proposal, backed by outgoing leader Pedro Nuno Santos, will be presented to the PS National Commission this Saturday.
If approved, the schedule sets the stage for José Luís Carneiro to formally assume leadership of the Socialist Party unopposed.
