Leonor Beleza, the first vice-president of the PSD and a member of the Council of State, stated that she cannot understand the repeated criticisms directed at the government of Luís Montenegro by Pedro Passos Coelho, attributing the former prime minister’s remarks to how he was treated after winning the 2015 legislative elections without getting the chance to remain in power.
Interviews and Background Politics
During an appearance on the RTP program “Primeira Pessoa” hosted by journalist Fátima Campos Ferreira, the former health minister expressed regret over the situation. According to Leonor Beleza, Passos Coelho went through complicated circumstances and did not receive the appreciation he might have expected, which she believes weighs heavily on his current stance. Beleza serves as the president of the Champalimaud Foundation and previously worked as a prominent minister under Aníbal Cavaco Silva. Cavaco Silva recently denounced the media noise surrounding Luís Montenegro, while Montenegro brought Beleza back into active party leadership to signal a clear link to the cavaquista political universe.
Did You Know? Leonor Beleza previously served as one of the primary ministers under Aníbal Cavaco Silva before returning to active party leadership under Luís Montenegro to bridge connections with the cavaquista political wing.
Past Friction and Party Mobilization
This is not the first instance where Leonor Beleza has directly responded to Passos Coelho. Back in January 2024, as the Democratic Alliance (AD) organized a convention in Estoril to project strength ahead of the legislative elections, tensions between Passos Coelho and Montenegro were already visible. At that time, the former prime minister declined to attend due to a lack of an invitation, prompting Beleza to declare from the stage that she attended because she chose to come rather than wait for an invitation, emphasizing that the moment called for total mobilization rather than ceremonies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Leonor Beleza?
Leonor Beleza is the first vice-president of the PSD, a member of the Council of State, president of the Champalimaud Foundation, and a former health minister.
What did Leonor Beleza say about Pedro Passos Coelho?
She stated she cannot understand Passos Coelho’s repeated criticisms of Luís Montenegro’s government, attributing his remarks to how he was treated after winning the 2015 legislative elections without being able to stay in power.
What happened at the Estoril convention in January 2024?
The AD organized a convention as a demonstration of strength where Pedro Passos Coelho did not attend due to a lack of an invitation, and Leonor Beleza publicly stated that she attended out of personal choice to support mobilization.
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