Jorge Pinto would 'a thousand times rather be known for his honesty'
Jorge Pinto accused Cotrim de Figueiredo of trying to cover up a harassment case by criticising journalists. He also insisted that he did not call for tactical voting for other candidacies, such as António José Seguro's, even after sending a letter to Livre members giving them the freedom to vote for whichever candidate their conscience dictates.
The case left a mark and unsettled Cotrim de Figueiredo. We've moved from a phase of assertion to one of justification
CNN Portugal commentator Rui Calafate asks whether the rise of the candidate backed by IL will be affected by an allegation of harassment made by a former adviser to the Liberals.
19:00. Cotrim: Press complicit in "character assassination"
This concerns an allegation of harassment of which he is the subject. Also in this bulletin, the Secretary-General of the Socialist Party calls for votes for António José Seguro. And candidate Jorge Pinto also opens the door to voting for Seguro.
5pm: Cotrim criticises journalists after harassment allegation
The presidential candidate complains that the media will not drop the issue. António José Seguro also believes he has done enough to secure the loyalty of left-wing voters to his candidacy.
Cotrim de Figueiredo is walking a tightrope over the harassment case
Pedro Santos Guerreiro, chief executive of CNN Portugal, says that João Cotrim de Figueiredo “is casting himself as the victim” by criticising the media over the alleged harassment of a former IL aide.
Cotrim insists that the sexual harassment allegation will be 'fully clarified' in court
The presidential candidate will file a criminal complaint against Inês Bichão later this Thursday.
Former IL aide says she reported alleged harassment by João Cotrim Figueiredo in 2023
IL denies “any internal complaint or report, formal or informal” regarding the candidate for Belém. He also denies having been aware of it and will file a criminal complaint this afternoon.
Former IL adviser who accuses Cotrim of harassment says 'the facts were reported internally during 2023'
Inês Bichão says the publication was circulated without her consent.
Cotrim de Figueiredo's dark week
In under 24 hours Cotrim de Figueiredo’s campaign was rocked by two controversies — a dispute linked to Ventura’s place in the second round and an allegation of harassment — prompting intense media and commentator reaction. A Catholic University poll that places Cotrim third, despite his insistence he can contest the second round, provided immediate relief and helped dissipate some of the political damage. Commentators including Miguel Santos Carrapatoso, Carlos Rodrigues and Bruno Batista framed the episode as a pivotal, potentially career-defining moment: Rodrigues argued Cotrim never sought the presidency, while Batista called the previous day a disastrous political mistake. The net effect is a campaign bruised but not decisively derailed, with the poll softening public fallout even as scrutiny and debate continue.
Allegation of harassment within IL — party does not clarify whether an internal complaint was filed
Ventura criticises Cotrim's backtrack on support and refuses to make the alleged harassment case an issue
The liberal candidate admitted that saying he wouldn't rule out supporting any candidate in a potential run-off, including Ventura, was “a rather unfortunate moment”.
Harassment accusation: 'People end up not believing it given the very opportunistic timing of this accusation,' says Cotrim
Cristina Azevedo believes that Cotrim de Figueiredo's electoral results will not be affected by the sexual harassment allegation made public this week: 'People end up not believing it given the very opportunistic timing of this accusation.'
Cotrim de Figueiredo's disastrous day
Cotrim found himself at the centre of controversy after declining to rule out a possible endorsement of Ventura in a second round of the presidential election, and over an alleged harassment case which he denies.
10pm: Marques Mendes links Cotrim de Figueiredo to Chega
The allegation arises after his remark about possible support for André Ventura in a run-off. Cotrim also flatly denies an accusation of harassment by a former aide of the Liberal Initiative.
Cotrim de Figueiredo's statement about Ventura is very serious
CNN Portugal commentator Mafalda Anjos says this Monday was “a horrible day” for João Cotrim de Figueiredo because of his remarks about a possible backing for André Ventura and an allegation of harassment by a former adviser to Iniciativa Liberal.
The harassment allegation and second-round scenarios: the day that shook Cotrim's campaign
João Cotrim de Figueiredo’s campaign, which had been gaining momentum, suffered a serious setback after a strategic misstep on second-round strategy and the resurfacing of a harassment allegation on social media. By not ruling out support for Ventura, Cotrim exposed himself to attacks and fractured the narrative of steady progress; the harassment allegation — reportedly known within Iniciativa Liberal for two years — compounded the damage and prompted him to decry ‘low‑level’ and ‘dirty’ politics. The episode shifted the campaign’s focus onto Cotrim personally, energised opponents and risked undoing recent gains as rivals consolidated backing ahead of a possible second round.
It wasn’t a good day for Cotrim: in the morning he didn’t rule out supporting Ventura in a run-off, in the afternoon a harassment allegation
The candidate responded with indignation to an accusation by a former aide, insists it is false and says he will take the matter to court.
Former aide accuses Cotrim de Figueiredo of harassment. Candidate denies it and says he will sue her for defamation
The allegations were made by a former adviser to Iniciativa Liberal, who currently works for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Cotrim denies harassment accusation involving a former IL aide
The candidate was accused of having harassed a former aide. He denied the allegation, says he will file a complaint and defended himself: “Ask any of the dozens of women who worked with me if they have any grounds for complaint.”
Cotrim de Figueiredo's response to harassment accusations
João Cotrim de Figueiredo reacts to allegations of harassment made by a former aide, calling them “completely false” and insisting he will not withdraw his presidential candidacy.
Former aide accuses Cotrim de Figueiredo of harassment. Candidate denies it and says he will 'sue her for defamation'
The allegations were made by a former aide to Iniciativa Liberal, who currently works for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
