President António José Seguro expressed hope for a balanced agreement on labour legislation (legislação laboral) between the government and social partners. Speaking in Santarém, the President also advocated for the modernization of the Armed Forces (Forças Armadas) to meet international commitments, provided it does not compromise social welfare spending. Workers should note that the government has proposed extending the duration of certain employment contracts as part of the negotiations.
President Seguro calls for balanced labour deal and military modernization
Saturday, 28 March 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
- The President of Portugal (From March 9 2026)
- Party: Independent. Former leader of Socialist Party (PS) Partido Socialista
- Center left
Background:
António José Martins Seguro (born March 11, 1962, in Penamacor) is a lawyer, political scientist, and Socialist Party politician running for president in Portugal's January 18, 2026 election. 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 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. Political Philosophy:
Seguro positions himself as representing a "modern and moderate" left, offering a progressive alternative to conservative candidates. He advocates for "financial responsibility but critical of austerity," attempting to reposition the PS at center-left. His campaign emphasizes institutional trust, efficient governance, and hope for a better future.
Sources (8)
- Seguro believes in a “balanced agreement” on labour legislationDiário de Notícias · 5:15pm, 28 Mar 2026
- President believes in a "balanced agreement" on labour lawsObservador · 5:45pm, 28 Mar 2026
- President of the Republic believes in a "balanced agreement" on labour legislationCorreio da Manhã · 5:01pm, 28 Mar 2026
- President of the Republic avoids controversy over Constitutional Court electionsPúblico · 4:32pm, 28 Mar 2026
- Seguro calls for a “serious and balanced” military modernisation without compromising social welfareExpresso · 3:00pm, 28 Mar 2026
- Socialists condition their support for the Budget on negotiations for the Constitutional CourtRTP Notícias · 1:32pm, 28 Mar 2026
- Seguro calls for an "intelligent" reinforcement of the Armed Forces and highlights "social urgencies"ECO · 12:45pm, 28 Mar 2026
- Seguro warns of “threats to the international order” and advocates for strengthening military capabilitiesCNN Portugal · 12:45pm, 28 Mar 2026
