Antonio Costa guarantees he will not “persecute” Pedro Nuno Santos after leaving government

Outgoing Prime Minister António Costa said this Sunday that he does not intend to “persecute” Pedro Nuno Santos after leaving government. Speaking to reporters, the socialist congratulated his successor on the results of the internal elections in the PS and called pluralism one of the “greatest advantages” of the party.

“It’s natural for everyone who comes to do things differently. And I won’t be here to persecute anyone so they don’t do something differently than me,” he explained.

Antonio Costa, who left the leadership of the Social Democratic Party after nine years, said he was confident in Pedro Nuno Santos’ ability to renew the party and confront the opposition. He even mentions that the new Socialist secretary general is “much better prepared” to govern the country than PSD leader Luis Montenegro.

The socialist also claims that he is ready to help the party in everything that is needed. “I am ready to do everything that can be useful to the party,” he assured.

After being asked about leaving a “difficult legacy” for his successor, António Costa highlighted the PS’s achievements in recent years and the party’s desire to innovate and provide new impetus.

“Once this moment is over, we will all unite to ensure that from March 10, what has been a good cycle of PS management will continue, with new energy, with new impetus,” said António Costa.

Pedro Nuno Santos was elected secretary general of the PS with 62% of the votes in direct elections held from Friday to Saturday, in which he competed with José Luis Carneiro, who came second with 36%, and Daniel Adrian, who had 1% of the votes.

António Costa was the first to arrive at the PS national headquarters and waited at the door for Pedro Nuno Santos, who arrived five minutes later. Both greeted each other with hugs. “Comrade General Secretary, how are you doing? Welcome and congratulations,” Costa said.