João Cotrim Figueiredo is a candidate for President of the Republic

João Cotrim Figueiredo, MEP for the Liberal Initiative (IL), announced his candidacy for President of the Republic today during an interview with SIC's Jornal da Noite. "I can announce that yes, I am a candidate for President of the Republic in the elections to be held in 2026," stated the former IL leader, who expressed his desire to run a "broader candidacy" beyond the IL and "open it to everyone who can imagine a Portugal different from what it is today."

Cotrim Figueiredo emphasized that "great works always arise from the dream or imagination of someone or a few, from groups of people who think a little further ahead and a little bigger than others." He expressed his vision for a more advanced country, "less gray, less musty, more airy," where great works of culture and knowledge can be created.

The candidate revealed that he had received "hundreds of messages from people from many parties" who encouraged him to move forward and agreed that "this could be much better and different." He also noted that the current field of presidential candidates may not resonate with the most dynamic electorate, especially young people. "I know I'm not alone in this, and I imagine that segment of the electorate—especially the most dynamic, the youngest—looking at the current field of candidates running in this presidential election and not seeing themselves," he said.

Cotrim Figueiredo also stated that, if he were in Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa's position, he would not comment on the nationality law or the fires, nor would he deliver the "messages" the President did regarding his vote. He emphasized the importance of respecting the traditions associated with the presidential position, but promised to bring a modern touch to the role. The candidate also expressed sensitivity to those affected by the fires, recognizing the need for attention and support in these situations.

In the last presidential election, held in January 2021, IL-backed candidate Tiago Mayan Gonçalves came in sixth place, with 3.22% of the vote and 134,000 votes. For the 2026 presidential election, IL's current leader, Mariana Leitão, had already announced her candidacy for Belém, but she withdrew her candidacy after deciding to run for the party presidency.

So far, the following have formalized their intention to run in the January 2026 presidential elections: former PSD president Luís Marques Mendes, former Chief of the Navy General Staff Admiral Gouveia e Melo, former PS secretary-general António José Seguro, and former PCP deputy António Filipe.