Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa's Last New Year Message: What to Expect?

President's Address to the Nation

Today, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, the President of the Republic, delivers his penultimate New Year message as he approaches the final year of his mandate from the Palácio de Belém. This marks the eighth New Year address during his presidency.

Political Landscape Over the Years

Over the past eight years, Sousa has cohabited with a leftist government led by António Costa from the Socialist Party (PS). This has included a parliamentary support arrangement known as the "geringonça", a minority government until 2022, and a majority government until its fall in 2023.

A Shift in Governance

This year's message is particularly significant as it will be the first since the establishment of a minority right-wing government (PSD/CDS) led by Luís Montenegro, following the Democratic Alliance (AD) victory in the March 10 elections, where they secured 28.02% of the votes.

Call for Political Stability

Throughout his presidency, Sousa has consistently emphasized the need for political stability. In his previous New Year messages, he has assessed the past year and offered warnings regarding the political, social, economic, and health situations, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Looking Ahead

In last year's address, shortly after António Costa's resignation and the announcement of elections for March 2024, Sousa noted that 2024 would be even more decisive than 2023, which ended with greater challenges than it began with.