Gouveia and Melo applies to the Presidency of the Republic

Gouveia and Melo presented this Thursday at Gare Marítimo de Alcântara, in Lisbon, his candidacy for the Presidency of the Republic, stating that the country needs « a different, stable and reliable president. »

“I present myself before you as a candidate for the Presidency of the Republic. In the last three years I felt the appeal for my candidacy,” the former Chief of Staff of the Armada began.

« In the same period, the world has changed a lot. There are clouds of danger on the horizon. The war has returned to the heart of Europe. The West hesitates and loses its course. The US does not guarantee security and launch uncertainty. Democracies are attacked from outside and eroded inside, » added the former coordinator of ‘Task Force’ from Covid-19 vaccination.

According to Gouveia and Melo, « Portugal is not immune, nor isolated in a protective bell jar. There are clear signs of tiredness, discouragement and disenchantment in our young democracy. And that’s why I am here. »

« I’m here because I can’t get my arms crossed. I’m here with the same courage that I served the Navy, the Armed Forces and the country. I present myself with the experience of those who led in difficult times and I believe we will be able to surpass, together, great challenges, » said Gouveia and Melo.

« I’ve always been where the country called me. I was in Pedroão, I coordinated the campaign against Covid-19, that is, when Portugal needed more coordination and leadership, » added the now candidate for Belém.

« If the Portuguese give me their vote, I will fully fulfill the functions that the Constitution trusts me: to defend the national independence; to ensure the functioning of democratic institutions: being a referee and moderator. »

« We need a different president, above party disputes, far from the pressures and faithful to the people who elected him. A president who is not a spectator of political life, because he represents all the people. Who makes herself heard using the word, » he argued.

« It is undisputed that we live tough times. What is locking us inside. It is the bad decisions, lack of decisions and the lack of courage to do what has to be done, » he said.