Marcelo Scolds PM Montenegro in public

In a public speech, President Marcelo told the Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, that ‘institutional solidarity is not enough’ and asked the head of government for ‘predictability’.

Rui Ochôa | Presidência da República

What?

It was expected to be a normal exchange of holiday greetings, but it turned out to be a very public admonition.

On Wednesday, in the traditional holiday ceremony at Belém Palace, with journalists’ cameras on, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa voiced concerns over the current state of cooperation between the Presidency and the AD Government led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.

He stressed the need for greater strategic collaboration, describing the relationship as lacking “cooperation” and “predictability.”

Marcelo also criticized Montenegro’s political approach, noting that the Prime Minister seems to want to “be everywhere at the same time,” a behavior the President deemed unusual for someone in an executive role.

Call for Strategic Cooperation

The President highlighted the importance of aligning the Presidency, the executive branch, and Parliament on strategic matters.

While institutional solidarity remains strong, Marcelo argued that it is not enough in the face of complex national and international challenges.

“Solidarity is important, but it is insufficient. There must be strategic cooperation,” President Marcelo declared, emphasizing the need for stability, security, and predictability in governance, especially with two national elections scheduled for the next year.

In a particularly sassy statement, President Marcelo pointed out that Portugal’s current economic stability owes much to the groundwork laid by the previous Socialist government under António Costa.

He described Portugal as more politically, economically, and socially stable than many larger European nations, with favorable macroeconomic indicators.

He acknowledged the Prime Minister’s efforts to represent the executive branch actively but cautioned against overextending.

“The idea is not to let the acceleration of history, driven by external forces, undermine measures, decisions, programs, or promises in an irreparable way,” he said.

Response from PM Montenegro

Responding to Marcelo’s remarks, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro dismissed suggestions of strained relations between São Bento and Belém.

He highlighted a “great convergence of opinions” between the Presidency and the government, rejecting claims that cooperation was insufficient.

“There is no cooling of relations at all,” Montenegro stated, adding that the President’s remarks aligned with his own calls for “solidarity, productive cooperation, and strong institutional and personal relations.”

President’s about-face

On Tursday, the President seemed to backpedal partially on his earlier statements.

He denied that his statements on Wednesday constituted a request, pointing out that there is already “total co-operation in strategic terms” between the two parties.

“I didn’t ask for it, no. No, no, I didn’t say I wanted to, no. I said that there already was and that it was fundamental and that for me it was a point that was fundamental at the moment, there was. And on the part of the President, on the part of the Government, there is total co-operation in strategic terms,” said Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

Cooperation Amid International Challenges

The President also drew attention to Portugal’s pressing challenges, including the management of European funds and migration policies.

He praised recent achievements in Portuguese diplomacy, such as António Costa’s election as President of the European Council and the recent appointment of Teresa Anjinho as the European Union Ombudsman.

Marcelo concluded by reiterating the importance of cooperation and strategic alignment during a time of significant international and domestic challenges, calling for stronger coordination to navigate the difficult road ahead.