Former Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho positioned himself for a return to national leadership within the Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD). In a televised interview, Passos Coelho advocated for the governing Democratic Alliance (Aliança Democrática or AD) to build a broader coalition that includes Chega and the Liberal Initiative (Iniciativa Liberal or IL). The proposal directly conflicts with Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, who has ruled out any formal government agreements with Chega.
Passos Coelho Advocates Coalition With Chega and IL
Friday, 16 October 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
Pedro Passos Coelho is a Portuguese politician who served as Prime Minister from 2011 to 2015 and led the Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD). His choice to stay silent during the presidential run-off matters because, as a former PM and centre‑right leader, his endorsements or comments could influence PSD voters ahead of the 8 February vote.
- Leader: Mariana Leitão (since July 2025)
- Ideology: Classical liberalism, economic libertarianism
Founded in 2017, the Liberal Initiative advocates for reduced state intervention, tax simplification, labor market liberalization, and secular liberalism under the motto "Less State, More Freedom". The party gained its first parliamentary seat in 2019 and now holds 9 seats. Mariana Leitão, 42, became the party's first female leader in July 2025 after Rui Rocha resigned following disappointing 2025 election results. Leitão previously served as parliamentary leader and has been announced as the party's candidate for the 2026 presidential election. The party explicitly rejects alliances with both far-left and far-right parties, positioning itself as the "only alternative" that won't negotiate with extremes.
