António José Seguro faces significant challenges in his role as President, marked by a tendency to remain silent when action is required and to speak without delivering impactful messages. Contrary to the belief that his strong second-round vote in the presidential election grants him substantial political weight, this perception is described as an invention. Seguro lacks the trajectory, popularity, and gravitas of his predecessors to impose his will, nor does he enjoy the support of his originating parties. His actions do not condition the ruling party, and his words fail to enchant his natural base of support.
The President's victory in the first round was narrow, with a decisive win only occurring in the second round due to the presence of André Ventura. In a politically difficult scenario defined by tripartism and potential conflict, Seguro aims to act as a peacekeeper or "blue helmet." However, this approach is deemed insufficient without the ability to intimidate belligerents through strength. While he prioritizes dialogue, his efforts are often ignored, largely due to his own missteps in communication.
A critical error in judgment occurred when Seguro remained publicly silent regarding the continuity of Luís Neves. Despite campaigning on the defense of republican ethics, the President stayed mute while issues were visible to all. Months after initial revelations, he finally used an official ceremony with the Judicial Police to send a nearly indecipherable message to the Government. This delayed reaction had little practical effect, as the political momentum had already shifted. Consequently, figures like Montenegro felt immune to consequences, while Carneiro and Ventura felt free to act as they saw fit.
After twelve days of silence watching the country entrench itself and a government fail to manage the situation politically, Seguro's only public statement was "I did not like what I saw." His subsequent remarks on episodes of violence between protesters and police were criticized for treating serious events with the detachment of someone describing a bad night at the theater. Following this, he held meetings with parties, issued incessant appeals for dialogue, and announced a Council of State to reorient political debate.
Despite these measures, no actor in the political landscape was swayed. The government continues to leave Luís Neves unchecked, the Socialist Party has abandoned appearances to embrace Quechua, security forces operate on uncertain legal ground with incomprehensible operational decisions, and protesters feel they are winning the battle for public opinion. The primary power of a President lies in the effective use of words; one who has nothing to say or only states the obvious risks becoming dispensable. Seguro is described as wanting to be herbivorous in an era of carnivores.
Seguro previously experienced being replaced without appeal when António Costa took his place. As the first President elected solely in a second round in 40 years, there is no guarantee he will not become the first to lose re-election.
Sources: Observador.