President of the Republic António José Seguro has launched his first five-day Open Presidency (Presidência Aberta) in the Central region. Accompanied by government officials, he is visiting districts including Castelo Branco, Santarém, Coimbra, and Leiria to assess recovery efforts following recent severe storms. The initiative aims to provide a direct link between the state and citizens, addressing complaints regarding delays in reconstruction support.
President António José Seguro begins first Open Presidency tour

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 (5)
- Seguro in Castelo Branco and Santarém to monitor recovery from storm damageECO · 7:45am, 6 Apr 2026
- António José Seguro begins Open Presidency in Castelo Branco and SantarémRTP Notícias · 8:36am, 6 Apr 2026
- Open presidency in areas affected by the stormsObservador · 7:44am, 6 Apr 2026
- “Open Presidency”: Seguro takes the Government on the road to hear the public's complaintsPúblico · 6:55am, 6 Apr 2026
- Seguro's first Open Presidency eagerly awaited in Leiria, Castelo Branco, Coimbra, and SantarémDiário de Notícias · 8:49pm, 5 Apr 2026




