José Luís Carneiro has decided not to run for the position of Councillor of State on the Socialist Party (PS) list for the Assembly of the Republic's appointments to the President's advisory body. Carneiro chose to yield the spot, which is traditionally reserved for the PS, to the party's recently re-elected president, Carlos César. According to reports, Carneiro justified the decision by stating that César's experience ensures a line of unity and coherence in the PS's vision for the country. The move is also seen as a way to avoid internal power struggles within the Council, particularly with André Ventura. Furthermore, Carneiro believes that the PS maintains a close and open relationship with the President of the Republic, ensuring that party concerns regarding the government of Luís Montenegro will be heard. The PS is presenting a list including Francisca Van Dunem, Alexandre Quintanilha, Edite Estrela, and Alberto Arons de Carvalho, though it is expected to secure only one seat due to a joint list presented by the PSD and Chega.
José Luís Carneiro's reasons for stepping down from Council of State position in favour of Carlos César
Context & Explainers
Health cards are private membership or discount schemes sold by companies that offer access to consultations, tests or reduced fees at private clinics; they are not the public health service. The Socialist Party (Partido Socialista or PS) has proposed regulation to increase transparency and protect consumers from misleading marketing or unexpected charges.
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.
