Rodrigues emphasizes that his support is personal and does not bind the CDS-PP or alter governmental coalitions, stressing that presidential elections are about people, not parties.

Rodrigues states that supporting Gouveia e Melo is a personal commitment that does not bind his party or affect the coalition with the PSD in Madeira, the Azores, and mainland Portugal.

As CDS-PP/Madeira leader and regional economy secretary, Rodrigues announces personal support for Gouveia e Melo’s candidacy to help counter the far-right.

Gouveia e Melo is presented as having the right profile for head of state, with appeal to both island realities and Portugal’s geostrategic interests, including stronger autonomy for the Azores and Madeira.

He argues that Gouveia e Melo would bring stability and respect for institutional powers, preventing political crises and allowing legislatures to run their course without interference from other state powers.

Gouveia e Melo is described as having a leadership profile for president—authoritative without authoritarianism, popular without populism, capable of steady functioning of institutions and honoring mandates.

He states his endorsement should not threaten the governing coalition with the PSD, noting that disagreements between party leaders and militants are normal and exist across the political spectrum.

He notes that personal positions by party leaders can occur within democracies and do not threaten the coalition across Madeira, the Azores, and the mainland.

Rodrigues describes Gouveia e Melo as capable of regenerating the political system, restoring institutional credibility, and renewing citizens’ hope in democracy and the rule of law.

Gouveia e Melo is presented as the president capable of regenerating the political system, strengthening institutions, and restoring citizens’ faith in democracy and the State of Law, while ensuring stable governance.

He underscores that presidential elections are about people, not parties, and acknowledges that party leaders and militants may hold views divergent from official party counsel.

Rodrigues assures that the endorsement does not jeopardize the tripartite coalition in Madeira, the Azores, and the continent, describing it as a normal democratic situation in coalitions.

José Manuel Rodrigues, leader of CDS-PP/Madeira, publicly endorses Henrique Gouveia e Melo for the presidency, arguing he is the candidate Portugal needs to combat the far-right and reinforce the political center.

Rodrigues expresses that Gouveia e Melo is what Portugal needs to counter the far-right.