Gouveia e Melo clarifies views in wide-ranging interview
He left the door open to dissolving Parliament if PM Luís Montenegro is named a formal suspect in the Spinumviva investigation.
In his first major interview since announcing his candidacy, Gouveia e Melo presented himself as a moderate, pro-life candidate who supports regulated immigration, is critical of political corruption, and advocates for reform in justice and public administration.
Speaking to TVI and CNN Portugal, the former naval chief said his decision to run was driven by a changing international landscape, citing the war in Ukraine, growing instability in Europe, and the likely return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency.
“The world has changed dramatically,” he said, adding that he felt a “growing call from the population” to step forward, though it had “never crossed his mind before.”
He expressed strong admiration for Rui Rio, former PSD leader and now national campaign coordinator for his bid.
Gouveia e Melo described Rio as a strategic reformer, aligning with his own call for an overhaul of Portugal’s justice system, which he criticizes as slow and economically obstructive.
Gouveia e Melo also declared corruption a “serious problem,” saying that while the President does not govern, they can keep public attention on the issue and apply pressure for change.
When asked about controversial social issues, Gouveia e Melo reaffirmed his “pro-life” stance.
He said he would refer any new law on medically assisted dying to the Constitutional Court and would struggle to endorse a law easing assisted suicide or euthanasia.
Nonetheless, he acknowledged that extreme circumstances of suffering deserve careful legal and ethical consideration.
On abortion, however, he stated: “That issue is settled in Portuguese society. Reopening it doesn’t make sense.”
On immigration, Gouveia e Melo emphasized the need for regulation, warning that unregulated migration “violates humanist principles.”
He criticized the dismantling of the border control agency SEF and called for Portugal to maintain a culture of tolerance without importing intolerance.
He dismissed any direct link between immigration and crime, stating there was no conclusive evidence.
In terms of political alignment, Gouveia e Melo described himself as centrist and distanced himself from far-right party Chega and its leader André Ventura.
While saying he wouldn’t reject support from voters of any party, he emphasized his “natural affinity” lies with Rui Rio and the center.
He said he would only consider appointing a Chega-led government if it had an absolute majority.
Addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he said the situation in Palestine is “very serious” and affirmed he would support state recognition for Palestine if Parliament approved it.
Gouveia e Melo also reflected on internal politics, criticizing the end of SEF, suggesting that early elections could have been avoided after António Costa’s resignation, and affirming that he would not shield political actors from ethical scrutiny, even if legal processes were pending.
On economic and defense matters, he voiced support for raising defense spending to 2–2.5% of GDP by 2029, in line with NATO expectations.
Gouveia e Melo concluded by stressing that he would speak “less and only when necessary” as President, aiming for a more reserved, substance-driven style of leadership.
He also dismissed claims made by political commentator Luís Marques Mendes that he poses a threat to democracy, saying such accusations only make him “want to laugh.”