António José Seguro began his term as President of the Republic by visiting Mourísia, a village in Arganil devastated by wildfires, to honour a promise to keep the needs of the interior regions at the forefront of his agenda. He pledged to be a demanding President, pressuring the government to fulfil its promises of financial aid to fire victims. During his visit, he announced that his first 'Open Presidency' tour would focus on the Central region. Later, in Guimarães, he highlighted the city's commitment to environmental innovation and climate action. His second day concluded in Porto, where Mayor Pedro Duarte praised Seguro's moderate political approach, while the President reiterated his commitment to territorial cohesion and ensuring that no part of the country is neglected.
Seguro's presidency begins in fire-ravaged land with a call for more support
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.
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Other news coverage of this topic
- Seguro concludes two days of inauguration events to the sound of Pedro Abrunhosa in Porto • Correio da Manhã
- Seguro ends the day in Porto: "Portugal is a whole, a country where everyone counts" • RTP Notícias
- On the second day, António José Seguro went to the interior and raised his voice at the Government • Público
- Seguro starts tour of the country pointing the finger at the Government • Observador
- Seguro promises “a country where everyone counts and where no territory can be dispensed with” • Expresso
- Seguro: “Porto is not just a place, it is a way of being in history and in the world” • Expresso
- António José Seguro states that Portugal is a whole and a country where everyone counts • Diário de Notícias
- António José Seguro states in Porto that Portugal is a whole and a country where everyone counts • Correio da Manhã
