The Council of State meeting, the first under the presidency of António José Seguro and with a new composition, concluded after more than four hours at 7:15 PM this Friday.
Council of State advocates for strengthening crisis prevention and response and respect for international law
Friday, 17 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.
The Council of State (Conselho de Estado) is the President's primary advisory body, composed of senior political figures including the Prime Minister and former presidents. It provides non-binding opinions on major issues such as dissolving parliament or declaring a state of emergency. Residents should note that the council acts as a stabilizing force during periods of political deadlock or institutional tension.
AI Summary AvailableCouncil of State focuses on national security and defenseRead the synthesized summary with context and explainers
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Other news coverage of this topic
- Seguro gathers new advisors and speaks privately with Marcelo • Correio da Manhã
- Luís de Sousa with Seguro • Correio da Manhã
- How the first Council of State chaired by Seguro went • Observador
- Seguro meets with Felipe VI and Sánchez in Madrid • CNN Portugal
- Macau leader leaves for Portugal with meeting with Seguro on the agenda • jornaleconomico.sapo.pt
- Council of State advocates for strengthening crisis prevention and response and respect for international law • Dinheiro Vivo
- Seguro's first Council of State meeting discussed the country's preparation for extreme phenomena and threats • Público
- Council of State calls for greater 'national preparedness' and wants better protection of 'critical infrastructure' • Expresso
- Council of State calls for greater "national preparedness" and better protection of "critical infrastructure" • Expresso
