The only televised debate of the presidential run-off takes place tonight (January 27) as António José Seguro and André Ventura face each other in a 75-minute showdown broadcast simultaneously on RTP, SIC and TVI, starting at 8.30pm.
The debate will be the sole opportunity for voters to see the two candidates confront each other directly before the second round of the presidential election, scheduled for Sunday, February 8.
Seguro and Ventura advanced to the run-off after finishing first and second on January 18, with 31.1% and 23.5% of votes respectively.
The debate comes after days of political sparring. André Ventura had publicly challenged Seguro to take part in multiple debates during the run-off campaign, accusing him of “avoiding confrontation” and “fearing debate”. Ventura later criticised Seguro for declining a radio debate, claiming his opponent had spent the campaign speaking only in general terms.
Portugal’s current President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who was elected in 2016, will leave office in March 2026 after completing his second term. Since the establishment of democracy in 1976, the country has been led by António Ramalho Eanes, Mário Soares, Jorge Sampaio and Aníbal Cavaco Silva.
