Leiria forest to sell storm-damaged timber

Friday, 10 April 2026AI summary
Leiria forest to sell storm-damaged timber
Photo: Diário de Notícias

The Leiria National Forest will sell approximately 100,000 cubic metres of timber felled by Storm Kristin through a public auction. During his visit to the site, President António José Seguro also confirmed plans to create a memorial at the location of a fallen 165-year-old eucalyptus tree.

Update: President demands storm response report

President António José Seguro concluded his five-day Open Presidency by demanding a formal report from the government regarding the response to recent storms. He emphasized that current aid levels and planning must be adapted to better support affected regions, particularly in agriculture.

Context & Explainers

António José Seguro
  • 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.

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