Mariana Leitão Elected as Leader at Liberal Initiative's X Convention - A New Era Begins

Mariana Leitão has been unanimously elected as the new leader of the Liberal Initiative (IL) during the party's X Convention. She aims to steer the party towards a more irreverent and ideologically pure direction, aligning closely with its founding principles for greater electoral growth.

A Call for Radical Liberalism

Leitão emphasized the need for the party to be radical in defending personal freedoms, advocating for a society where individuals are not "property of the State" and have the inalienable right to live as they choose, provided they respect others' rights. She highlighted the importance of personal autonomy, the right to fail and try again without being burdened by taxes or ideological prejudices.

Critique of Current Political Landscape

The new leader didn't shy away from criticizing both the AD government and the Chega party, accusing them of lacking the courage to implement necessary reforms and of being a "new socialism on the right," respectively. Leitão's vision for IL is clear: a party that doesn't seek to please everyone but stands firm on its liberal convictions.

Looking Ahead

With the party not currently in a position to influence government decisions, Leitão sees IL's role as one of vigilance and advocacy, ready to point out the government's missteps. She vows to revitalize the party and push for liberal ideas without concessions, aiming for a significant impact in Portugal's political future.

Previous Leadership's Reflections

Outgoing leader Rui Rocha reflected on his tenure, acknowledging unmet goals but highlighting achievements like health system proposals and housing reforms. He advised against dwelling on the past, urging the party to focus on the future and avoid internal divisions.