Passos Coelho considers political return if PSD fails to deliver

Portuguese politics PSD Chega Pedro Passos Coelho Luís Montenegro

Former Portuguese Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho has stated he would consider returning to active politics if the Social Democratic Party (PSD) fails to achieve satisfactory results in governance. In a recent interview, Passos Coelho argued that the PSD had an obligation to seek a legislative agreement with the Chega and Iniciativa Liberal parties following the 2024 elections to facilitate deep structural reforms.

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro responded to these remarks, asserting that the PSD should not be “chained” to Chega, the second-largest party. Montenegro emphasized that the current government has a clear mandate and a defined direction, rejecting the idea of making decisions on a month-to-month basis or through political “tantrums.”

Chega leader André Ventura countered Passos Coelho’s critique by stating that the opportunity for a legislative agreement has already passed, blaming the PSD’s leadership for not pursuing it at the time. However, he noted that Chega remains open to working on specific, concrete matters such as immigration and agriculture.

Entities

André Ventura · António Costa · CHEGA · Iniciativa Liberal · Luís Montenegro · PSD · Pedro Passos Coelho · SNS

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] The Portuguese State lacks the managerial authority required to restructure the National Health Service (SNS).
[● 2 SOURCES] A significant gap exists between state institutions and their professionals, undermining trust in sectors like health, education, and housing.
[○ 1 SOURCE] Former Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho is not currently preparing a candidacy for any political office. www.abola.pt
[● 2 SOURCES] The PSD should have sought political agreements with CDS, Chega, and Iniciativa Liberal following the 2024 elections. www.jornaldenegocios.pt · www.abola.pt
[● 2 SOURCES] The current government led by Luís Montenegro has been slow to translate its program into actual policy and reality.