Henrique Gouveia e Melo officially launches Presidential bid
He presented himself not just as a candidate, but as a symbol of transformation and unity, pledging to bridge political divides and guide Portugal through uncertain times.
Retired Admiral Henrique Gouveia e Melo, former Chief of Staff of the Portuguese Navy and national coordinator of the COVID-19 vaccination taskforce, has officially announced his candidacy for the Presidency of the Republic.
The announcement took place at the Gare Marítima de Alcântara, Lisbon, before a crowd of political allies, public figures, and supporters, under the campaign slogan “Unir Portugal” (“Unite Portugal”).
After months of speculation, Gouveia e Melo confirmed his presidential ambitions with a dramatic entrance, greeted by music and applause.
Speaking to a predominantly conservative audience, the retired admiral framed his candidacy as a response to a national calling.
“I couldn’t stand by with my arms crossed,” he said, citing growing political disillusionment and international instability.
“The world has changed a lot,” he warned.
“Dark clouds of uncertainty and danger loom on the horizon,” referring to war in Europe, a faltering West, and geopolitical unpredictability from the United States.
“Force is trying to overpower reason,” he added, noting that global democracy is under attack, and Portugal is not immune to these threats.
Different kind of President
Gouveia e Melo presented himself as a unifying figure capable of leading in difficult times.
Drawing on his military and public service background, he pledged to be a “different kind of President,” one who is “stable, trustworthy, and vigilant,” but also “above party politics and loyal to the people.”
While stressing his political independence, the candidate affirmed his respect for the role of political parties and the separation of powers.
“I will not be a mere spectator of political life,” he promised, adding that a President should intervene “with restraint, substance, and purpose” when necessary.
Key commitments
His platform includes five key commitments: defending national independence, ensuring the functioning of democratic institutions, acting as an impartial moderator, promoting national cohesion, and representing Portugal with dignity on the international stage.
He emphasized, however, that the President "does not govern."
Positioning himself against short-term political cycles and advocating for structural reforms, Gouveia e Melo called for national ambition and pride.
“We are not condemned to fail or remain poor,” he said, appealing for a “strong, competitive, people-centered economy” to uphold the welfare state and combat inequality.
He listed national priorities such as youth opportunity, elder dignity, fighting poverty, and guaranteeing access to healthcare, housing, and education as rights, not privileges.
He also advocated for environmental responsibility, public administration reform, judicial efficiency, decentralization, and a modern, realistic defense policy.
In a clear gesture to Portugal’s maritime heritage, the Gare Marítima de Alcântara served as a symbolic venue for the announcement.
Flags of Portugal and campaign banners adorned the seats of a crowd that included notable figures from the center-right PSD party, such as former ministers Ângelo Correia and António Martins da Cruz, as well as centrist and even some socialist politicians.
Business leaders and constitutional experts, including Mário Ferreira and Teresa Violante, respectively, were also in attendance.
Controversial path
The path to this moment has not been without controversy.
Gouveia e Melo had previously rejected entering politics outright, famously stating in 2021, “If that ever happens, give me a rope to hang myself,” and suggesting that democracy did not need military figures.
However, he gradually shifted his stance, arguing against the “prejudiced assumption” that military leaders should be politically excluded.
Critics have questioned his lack of a clear political ideology and his stance on issues like early elections and disciplinary actions taken during his military tenure.
Nevertheless, he has gained significant traction in opinion polls and now emerges as one of the leading contenders for Portugal’s presidency.
All we can do is go off of what a candidate says they’re going to do.
“We are not condemned to fail or remain poor,” he said, appealing for a “strong, competitive, people-centered economy” to uphold the welfare state and combat inequality.”
“He listed national priorities such as youth opportunity, elder dignity, fighting poverty, and guaranteeing access to healthcare, housing, and education as rights, not privileges.”
That sounds good to me.