Marcelo will seek a government formula “closer to the will of the people”

The President of the Republic said on Tuesday that, based on the results of the expected legislative elections on March 10, he would seek a government formula “closest to the reading of the people’s will.”

Asked whether he excludes any party from the governing structure or whether everyone has the right to participate in elections, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa replied that he “will look for a formula that, within the framework determined by the people, is closest to the reading of the popular will.” .

The head of state, who spoke with journalists at the Portuguese University of Portugal in Lisbon, explained that in recent days he has begun to appear less because he understands that now is “the time of the parties,” until the elections, which will be held, the time of the “people” will come, and then “the time will come.” the time of the President, that is, the time of formation of the Government.”

At this stage, “The President is leaving, he must leave,” he said.

As for what he will do after the elections, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa added that he will try to “find, within the framework determined by the people, whatever they were on March 10, the space and formula that best suits their vision, what was the intention popular vote.”

The President of the Republic last made statements to journalists 12 days ago in Guinea-Bissau, when he warned that he would avoid commenting on the recent past and immediate future of Portuguese politics in order to remain impartial in the new situation. cycle, in the face of the parties that will participate in the elections.

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was present on Tuesday at the Portuguese Catholic University in Lisbon for the launch of the book “Elements of Constitutional Politics – Political Science, Constitutional Theory and Constitutional Law”, written by Paulo Rangel, Member of the European Parliament and First Vice-President. President of the SDP.

When leaving, the head of state talked to the media, but did not answer most of the questions, citing the fact that now was not his time – a word that he repeated more than twenty times.

With this argument, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa refused to answer whether he now sees the PSD as an alternative, whether he is concerned about the scenario that could arise as a result of the elections, refused to comment on the statements of Prime Minister António Costa and the previous President of the Republic Aníbal Cavaco Silva, and did not want return to the topics of the last meeting of the State Council and the trip to the Belem Palace of the Prosecutor General of the Republic.

“I have nothing to say at the moment. At this moment we are in another time. There was a previous time, this time is over. At this time, in this new time, we live in the times of parties, leaders. programs and parties,” he said.

“I’m not going to comment on anything that constitutes interference in pre-election and pre-election debates,” he stressed.

Asked if he agreed with all the decisions he has made so far, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa replied: “There are times – and I said this precisely when I decided to dissolve the Assembly of the Republic – when the constitutional power must act alone… And that’s what I did.”

“The Constitution vests this power only in a sovereign body, which is the President of the Republic,” he emphasized.

The presentation of this book by Paulo Rangel was scheduled for November 8, but was postponed due to the resignation of Prime Minister António Costa, which occurred the day before and ultimately coincided with the moment before the election campaign of the expected legislative elections. which are announced for January 30th.

The government, however, is still operating at full capacity as the President of the Republic has delayed formalizing his resignation to allow for the final global vote on the 2024 government budget, scheduled for this Wednesday.