Pedro Nuno Santos Denies Any Alliance with Chega: A Bold Statement Against Political Accusations

No Ties to Chega

In a heated exchange, Pedro Nuno Santos, the leader of the Socialist Party (PS), firmly rejected any claims of a relationship with the far-right party Chega. This response came after Luís Montenegro, leader of the Social Democratic Party (PSD), accused the PS of making "strategic alliances" with Chega during their Christmas dinner discussions. Santos pointed out that it was actually the PSD that has made agreements with Chega in Madeira and the Azores, and criticized the government for adopting extreme-right agendas on immigration and public health.

Strong Stance Against Chega

Santos emphasized that "No one in the PS makes deals with Chega; we combat Chega." He challenged the PSD’s ongoing engagement with Chega, stating that the PS is the party most distant from Chega and the one that fights against it the hardest. He noted that the PS-Madeira voted against Chega's regional government, highlighting the PS's consistent opposition to Chega's policies.

Accusations of Government Incompetence

The PS leader did not hold back in criticizing the current government, accusing it of "deep incompetence and lack of credibility", particularly in its handling of education and healthcare issues. He argued that the PS's proposed measures, which were approved by opposition parties, were not aligned with the extreme-right agenda, contrasting this with the government’s actions.

Carlos César's Warning

Carlos César, another prominent figure in the PS, echoed these sentiments, pointing out the importance of "courage" in political decision-making. He warned against the dangers of populism and the need for the PS to maintain integrity and distance from both extreme-left and extreme-right ideologies.

Upcoming Challenges and Responsibilities

The PS is gearing up for a challenging year ahead with regional elections in Madeira and municipal elections, as well as the presidential elections in 2026. Santos and César urged party members to remain vigilant and proactive in their political strategies to combat the rise of extremism in Portugal.

A Call for Unity and Action

Santos concluded by emphasizing the need for the PS to continue its fight against the extreme right and to uphold democratic values in the face of rising populism. The gathering was also attended by Manuel Alegre, who recently became the honorary president of the PS, reinforcing the party's longstanding commitment to its principles and responsibilities.