Who Will Lead Portugal's Iniciativa Liberal? Meet the Contenders: Rui Rocha vs Rui Malheiro

The Upcoming Leadership Decision of Iniciativa Liberal

This weekend, the next president of the Iniciativa Liberal (IL) will be unveiled. The contest is between Rui Rocha, the incumbent seeking re-election, and Rui Malheiro. Additionally, the convention will elect the National Council, which is responsible for guiding the party's political strategy, and will vote on 24 sectoral motions covering various issues from immigration to security, including a recommendation against coalitions in Lisbon, Porto, and Braga.

Rui Rocha's Vision

Rui Rocha, who is running for a second term, has expressed that he possesses the “energy necessary” to transform the party into “a bold, change-oriented governance solution”. He emphasizes the need to “develop a political solution that brings real change to Portugal.” Under his leadership, IL has achieved significant milestones, including its first parliamentary representation in Madeira, Açores, and the European Parliament, while maintaining its presence in the national parliament.

In an interview with Nascer do SOL, Rocha dismissed internal divisions, stating, “I am very eager for the election, as the Iniciativa Liberal convention will indeed mark a new phase. It's normal to have criticism; it would be concerning if there weren't any.” He anticipates the convention to be a celebration of the party's journey and a launchpad for future challenges.

Rui Malheiro's Challenge

In the race for leadership is Rui Malheiro, representing the ‘United by Liberalism’ movement. He took on this challenge following the departure of Tiago Mayan, which was marred by controversy over signature falsification. Malheiro asserts that his candidacy “reflects the desire to elevate the values of the United by Liberalism Movement to a new level,” aiming for a political project that strengthens the pillars of liberalism, focusing on individual freedom, entrepreneurship, and equal opportunities.

Malheiro believes that the IL should “aim to be the Government in the medium to long term” and targets a 10% voting intention in the near future, aspiring to broaden the party's appeal to reach the entire Portuguese population. He criticized Rocha's leadership for failing to unite members and achieve the desired voter engagement, pointing out several shortcomings: “There has been a lack of communication and courage to explain our liberal measures to the Portuguese public.” He insists that the IL must convey its messages clearly and authentically.

National Council Elections

Six lists are competing for the National Council, as reported by Nascer do SOL. The latest to announce include List D, led by former national council member Ricardo Lopes, List A with Francisco Cudell, and List M by Jorge Pires. These join previously known candidates: Bernardo Blanco from List F, André de Serpa Soares from List T, and Pedro Ferreira, current vice-president of the National Council and the IL convention, heading List X.

The convention will also feature three candidacies for the Judiciary Council and four for the Supervisory Council.