José Luís Carneiro Calls for Unity in PS: "We Won't Be Forgiven If We Harm Each Other"

José Luís Carneiro, former minister and current PS deputy, officially launched his candidacy for the party's leadership this Saturday, a year and a half after losing the internal race to Pedro Nuno Santos. Under the hot sun at the Jardim Mário Soares, PS's national headquarters in Lisbon, Carneiro positioned himself as the party's future, emphasizing a personal decision to step forward.

Carneiro warned that the PS would not be forgiven if socialists continued to "look at their navels and harm each other's credibility and qualities." He called for party unity around his candidacy, rejecting any logic of "star systems" that prioritize individual aspirations or public superficial attacks. "No, never. With me, you can't count on that," he stated, receiving applause.

Among the attendees were notable figures like Manuel Alegre, Maria de Belém, Paulo Cafôfo, Ana Mendes Godinho, and others, showing broad support within the party. Miguel Prata Roque, who recently withdrew from the succession race, was also present.

As of now, Carneiro stands as the sole candidate, with potential contenders like Duarte Cordeiro, Fernando Medina, and Mariana Vieira da Silva yet to declare their positions. The direct elections for the new PS secretary-general are scheduled for June 27 and 28, with candidacies due by June 12. The PS's reduction to 58 deputies and third political force in Parliament led to Pedro Nuno Santos' departure from leadership, now overseen by PS president Carlos César.