Marques Mendes' Presidential Bid: Aiming for a Non-Existent Portugal and the Struggle for Right-Wing Unity

Miguel Morgado, a former PSD deputy and political advisor, claims that Luís Marques Mendes is unlikely to unite the right in his bid for the presidency. During a discussion on Rádio Observador, Morgado expressed that Mendes has prepared a campaign for a “country that no longer exists.”

He emphasizes that “Marques Mendes will not be able to unite the right,” as he anticipates a fierce competition between Mendes and the PS candidate, André Ventura, aiming to capture a significant portion of the PSD electorate. If Mendes can secure enough votes, Morgado speculates that a “strategy for right-wing unity” might be possible, although he finds this “extremely unlikely” due to Mendes' cultivated image over the years.

Morgado recalls that during 2015, when there was a PSD/CDS government, Mendes was in a different political landscape, and the current situation reflects a considerable shift to the right. He notes that the left is “falling apart,” with internal conflicts evident in the candidacies of António José Seguro and António Vitorino.

He warns that Mendes has not adequately prepared his political positioning to be a unifying figure on the right. Morgado also suggests that Mendes' premature candidacy might invite competition from others, as it showcases a “perception of weakness.”

While Mendes aims to “pacify the PSD family,” Morgado points out that the current state of the party is “small”. Mendes appears to be positioning himself as a “Marcelo-like candidate,” seeking votes from the left, but the political landscape has changed significantly, making it hard for such a central candidate to gain traction.

In summary, Mendes' approach to the presidency may not resonate with the current electorate, which is moving away from traditional central politics.