Gouveia e Melo Fires Back at Cavaco Silva's Critique, Rejects Political Dynasties in Presidential Race

Presidential Candidate Responds to Criticism

Henrique Gouveia e Melo, a presidential candidate, reacted ironically to former President Cavaco Silva's comments, thanking him for what he called a 'compliment.' Gouveia e Melo stated that Cavaco Silva's support for rival candidate Marques Mendes implies he views the admiral as the 'biggest threat' to his preferred candidate.

Speaking to journalists at the Serralves Foundation in Porto after participating in the Fábrica 2030 conference, which marked the ninth anniversary of the Eco newspaper, Gouveia e Melo disagreed with Cavaco Silva's assessment. He emphasized that he does not believe in political dynasties or oligarchies and stressed that the presidency should not be partisan.

Gouveia e Melo positioned himself as a 'different actor' in the race, highlighting that he does not come from political families or parties. He noted that the current world is 'completely different' from the one Cavaco Silva faced during his terms as prime minister and president, underscoring the need for fresh perspectives.

In his opinion piece published in Observador, Cavaco Silva argued that Gouveia e Melo lacks the 'competencies and qualifications' necessary for the presidency, especially given the uncertain international landscape over the next five years. He warned of potential instability and advocated for a president who can navigate complex situations, build bridges between political parties, and act as a last-resort in crises, endorsing Luís Marques Mendes for his experience and judgment.

Gouveia e Melo dismissed the idea of competing over endorsements, stating that while he welcomes support from various figures, his focus remains on offering a distinct choice to the Portuguese people.