Carlos César will run for president of the Socialist Party (PS) again at the 25th congress, he confirmed to Lusa, after accepting the “insistent request” of the party leader and other socialists of different leanings, but he anticipates “greater public discretion”. Among his supporters are former PS leader Pedro Nuno Santos, honorary president Manuel Alegre, former parliamentary speaker Eduardo Ferro Rodrigues, and several former ministers. César noted that while he previously held the role with high visibility due to specific political circumstances, he now believes the position should be exercised with more discretion to foster party unity and cohesion. The 25th PS National Congress will take place from March 27 to 29 in Viseu.
Carlos César to run for PS president again but anticipates "greater public discretion"
Thursday, 19 March 2026RSS
Context & Explainers
Socialist Party (PS)
- Leader: José Luís Carneiro (since June 2025)
- Ideology: Center-left, Social democracy, pro-Europeanism
Portugal's other traditional major party suffered a historic collapse in the 2025 election, dropping from 78 to 58 seats and falling to third place for the first time in democratic history. The party was led by Pedro Nuno Santos from January 2024 until his resignation following the May 2025 defeat. José Luís Carneiro, a 53-year-old former Minister of Internal Administration known for his moderate positioning within the party, was elected unopposed as the new Secretary-General with 95% of votes in June 2025. The Socialist Party governed Portugal from 2015 to 2024, including an absolute majority from 2022 to 2024 under António Costa, who resigned in November 2023 amid a corruption investigation. The PS previously led the innovative "Geringonça" (contraption) coalition government from 2015-2019, a minority government supported by the Left Bloc and Portuguese Communist Party that reversed austerity measures and presided over economic recovery.
