A group of socialist militants criticised the "tight deadlines" for the next National Congress of the PS and advocated for "more time" for preparation, pointing to a "stagnation of the party" and the absence of internal debate.

José Luís Carneiro, speaking to journalists before entering a meeting with militants and supporters in Viana do Castelo, as part of his re-election campaign for Secretary-General of the Partido Socialista, with the slogan "We All Count," said that the group of militants "are comrades" whom he likes very much.

"I have known these comrades for over 30 years, for whom I have great esteem, and I don't want to be dealing with that issue now," he replied, before beginning the session with about 150 militants.

Political participation for all

At the insistence of journalists, José Luís Carneiro responded that “there is no lack of space for political participation for all those who want to contribute positively to a political alternative to this Government” and added that only on Thursday will it be known whether or not he will be the sole candidate for the leadership of the PS.

“For us, the most important thing is to discuss with people. In a room full of people from the Socialist Party. I spent the afternoon with independent people from civil society so that everyone can have a space for participation and construction in the proposals that aim to serve the country,” he stressed.