Pedro Nuno Santos Admits Mistakes and Calls for Change in Portuguese Politics

Pedro Nuno Santos Addresses Political Challenges

During an intervention at the CNN International Summit, Pedro Nuno Santos, leader of the Socialist Party (PS), discussed the pressing issue of how the left can endure in Europe amidst the rise of the far-right. He expressed concern that many families feel a sense of insecurity in their lives, not just in terms of physical safety.

He pointed out that Jorge Sampaio and Mário Soares serve as exemplary figures for the next presidential candidate, emphasizing that military backgrounds should not deter candidates from seeking the presidency. He noted, "Being a military person is not a relevant issue. I have great respect for the military, but the PS should support candidates from its political sphere."

Reflecting on his previous comments regarding potential candidates during an interview, Pedro Nuno stated, “I made the mistake of naming names during a CNN interview, so I won’t do that again.” He acknowledged the difficulties faced by socialist parties in Europe, predicting serious risks of setbacks in the next elections in the four EU countries where they govern.

Economic Concerns and Government Accountability

In response to comments made by Luís Montenegro about Portugal's economic growth, he criticized the government's inability to identify the core issues affecting the economy. He argued that the incentive systems in Portugal are among the most comprehensive in the EU, yet the government struggles to say no, which diminishes its effectiveness.

Pedro Nuno also addressed the controversy surrounding remarks made by Ricardo Leão, the mayor of Loures, who suggested evicting tenants involved in violent acts. He urged the need for a courageous discussion on immigration, stating that the worst approach is to avoid this debate, especially as the far-right continues to gain ground.

Moreover, he emphasized that certain sectors, such as construction and tourism, rely heavily on foreign workers, and it is unrealistic to ignore this necessity for labor in the country.