PS calls for the creation of a coalition of Azoreans in defense of democracy and tolerance

The PS candidate for the presidency of the Azores government in the regional legislative elections called this Wednesday for the creation of a “grand coalition of Azoreans” in defense of democracy and tolerance in the face of the risk of support for the regional government from Chegi.

“I call for the formation of a coalition of Azoreans in defense of democracy, in defense of tolerance, in defense of a society that respects, rewards dignity and prestige based on respect,” said Vasco Cordeiro in Lagoa, Sao Miguel Island, during a visit to the company.

The head of the socialist list of San Miguel and compensation circles insisted on appealing to this coalition of Azoreans, “socialists, non-socialists, social democrats from the center who believe that political activity and the next regional government should be based on those that are values ​​such as democracy, freedom, tolerance, respect for others.”

“This is also what will be at stake next Sunday,” he warned, warning voters “no matter what party they belong to, no matter what party card they hold, but who values ​​these values” to vote yes PS.

Vasco Cordeiro also said that the “risk and threat” of creating “the next regional government of Chega” is obvious.

“I am convinced, despite the denials, that an agreement has already been signed between the NPM, SDS, SDP and Chega so that, repeating the situation in 2020, they will take power,” he said, rejecting “low politics.” “such accusations” because that’s what [aqueles partidos] did” in the last vote.

Answering a question about the possible formation of a central bloc, the candidate confirmed a dialogue “with all parties” that want to do this, with the PS.

Regarding what the representative of the Republic should do on Monday if a scenario similar to that of 2020 occurs, Vasco Cordeiro stressed that “this is the time of the Azoreans and the voice of the Azoreans,” without wanting to prejudge the position of Pedro Catarino.

Faced with a poll published on Tuesday that points to a Socialist lead, Vasco Cordeiro highlighted the “growing tide of support for the PS.”

“It is also clear that the Azoreans have a very clear preference for my leadership as president of the government,” he added.

Regarding post-election scenarios, the regional socialist leader reiterated that “the PS will appeal to all democratic, democratic, autonomist parties that share” with the socialists “the values ​​of respect and tolerance,” with the exception of Chega and the ADN.

An Azores election poll carried out by the Portuguese University for RTP, Antena 1 and Público, published on Tuesday evening, shows an advantage for the PS (39%), while the PSD/CDS-PP/Público coalition is gaining the advantage. 36% of voting intentions.

Chega reaches 9%, and BE 3%. IL, CDU, PAN each receive 2% of the votes. In this poll, Livre and JPP have 1% voting intentions, while ADN collects less than 1%.

The target universe consists of people aged 18 years and over, registered and residing in the archipelago. 2297 valid surveys were received from residents of the islands of São Miguel and Terceira.

According to Público, the maximum margin of error associated with a random sample of 2,297 respondents is 2%, with a confidence level of 95%.

The President of the Republic has decided to dissolve the Parliament of the Azores and call early elections for next Sunday, after this year’s budget is announced.

Eleven candidates are vying for the regional legislatures, with 57 seats in the hemicycle: PSD/CDS-PP/PPM (the coalition that currently governs the region), ADN, CDU (PCP/PEV), PAN, Alternative 21 (MPT /PPM) Alliance), Illinois, Chega, Belgium, PS, JPP and Livre.

In 2020, the PS won but lost its absolute majority, giving rise to a right-wing post-election coalition supported by a majority of 29 MPs after signing agreements on parliamentary influence with Chega and IL (which violated it in 2023). PS, BE and PAN had a total of 28 mandates.