Pedro Fidalgo Marques, candidate for MEP in 2024 for the PAN, was one of the names most talked about by members as a possible opponent of Inês Sousa Real at the congress on December 20th, but, to DN, three days ago he ruled out the candidacy scenario, acknowledging that “there were invitations”.
This Wednesday, December 26th, DN had access to the activist’s decision, which shows support for Sousa Real. “After a period of calm and responsible reflection on the moment that the PAN is going through, I decided to support Inês de Sousa Real in her re-candidacy for party leadership and join the list of the National Political Commission, as well as the list of delegates for Lisbon. It’s a step that many may not have expected, but that’s precisely why I’m taking it: because this is the time to unite, not divide”, he initially explained.
“The country and the world are experiencing an unprecedented environmental, social and civilizational crisis. There is no space — nor time — for factions, noise or internal wars. It is true that we once had divergences. It is part of any party alive and with critical thinking. But today this weighs little in the face of the greater need: strengthening the PAN so that the causes have a future. What matters is the path ahead, and this can only be done side by side”, he added in a note, considering that “those who really work for the PAN, those who maintain the party that stands up every day — in political action, in mobilization, in activism, in programmatic construction — is united in this project led by Inês.”
He asks for “strategy and fewer trenches for Congress”, in a tone of synthesis to members. Remember that Fidalgo Marques resigned from the Permanent Political Committee in May and who is considered one of the most well-known faces of the party. Because he was a dissenting voice, he was nominated for candidacy.
Nelson Silva, candidate in 2023, previously told DN that “he wouldn’t run any time soon.” At the end of last week, remember, Carolina Pia took up the race for the position of party spokesperson, knowing that he may not even go to the election, since he belongs to the district of Viseu, whose district is considered inactive. Complaints followed to the Constitutional Court in this regard.