The President of the Republic begins his first 'Open Presidency' this Monday, April 6, in Sertã, with the sole objective of assessing the impact of recent storms on the ground. Accompanied by government officials, Seguro will visit four districts—Castelo Branco, Santarém, Coimbra, and Leiria—to witness the damage caused by floods and landslides, and to listen to the needs of affected populations and local authorities. The initiative aims to provide a direct link between the state and citizens in vulnerable regions, addressing concerns such as delayed insurance payouts, infrastructure recovery, and the financial strain on municipalities.
Seguro's first Open Presidency eagerly awaited in Leiria, Castelo Branco, Coimbra, and Santarém
Sunday, 5 April 2026RSS
Context & Explainers
- President of Portugal (since March 9, 2026)
- Party: Independent. Former leader of the Socialist Party (PS), Partido Socialista
- Center-left
António José Martins Seguro (born March 11, 1962, in Penamacor) is a lawyer, political scientist, and the current President of the Portuguese Republic, inaugurated on March 9, 2026 after winning the two-round presidential election in January–February 2026.
Career: He led Socialist Youth (1990–1994), served as MEP (1999–2001), was Minister Adjunct to PM António Guterres (2001–2002), and led the PS parliamentary group (2004–2005). Elected PS Secretary-General in 2011 with 68%, he led the opposition during Portugal's bailout era. In 2014, António Costa defeated him in party primaries by a landslide, prompting Seguro's resignation and a decade-long retreat from politics. He returned in 2025, launching the movement UPortugal and announcing his presidential candidacy in June. He received official PS backing in October 2025 and won the presidency in February 2026.
Political philosophy: Seguro positions himself as representing a "modern and moderate" left, advocating financial responsibility while opposing austerity. As President, he has emphasized institutional trust, efficient governance, and a collaborative relationship with the government while maintaining rigorous constitutional oversight.
AI Summary AvailablePresident António José Seguro begins first Open Presidency tourRead the synthesized summary with context and explainers
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Other news coverage of this topic
- António José Seguro begins Open Presidency in Castelo Branco and Santarém • RTP Notícias
- Seguro in Castelo Branco and Santarém to monitor recovery from storm damage • ECO
- Open presidency in areas affected by the storms • Observador
- Seguro puts pressure on the Government: "The goal is to accelerate support" • Observador
- Starting this Monday, but what are 'open presidencies'? • Público
- “Open Presidency”: Seguro takes the Government on the road to hear the public's complaints • Público
- Open Presidency. Seguro goes to the centre of the country to see reconstruction • RTP Notícias
