Lisbon Jan 22, 2026 — In a significant development ahead of Portugal’s presidential election runoff, former Social Democratic Party (PSD) figure Luís Marques Mendes has publicly declared his support for Socialist candidate António José Seguro in the upcoming second round scheduled for 8 February 2026.
Marques Mendes, who stood as a presidential candidate in the first round and finished in fifth place, initially refrained from recommending support for either of the two candidates advancing to the runoff. However, he has now confirmed that he will vote for Seguro, citing political coherence and shared values as key reasons for his decision. In remarks to Expresso, Mendes described Seguro as “the only candidate who approaches the values I have always defended: defense of democracy, assurance of moderation, and respect for representing all Portuguese citizens.”
The announcement marks a notable shift in the political landscape ahead of the head-to-head contest between António José Seguro, supported primarily by the centre-left Socialist Party (PS), and André Ventura, leader of the right-wing Chega party. Portugal’s presidential election entered a runoff after no candidate achieved an outright majority in the first round on 18 January. Seguro led the field with approximately 31 percent of the vote, while Ventura secured around 23.5 percent, setting the stage for a highly contested second round.
Despite his endorsement, Mendes has emphasized that he is not dictating how others should vote, underlining the importance of personal freedom and individual conscience in the decision-making process.
The PSD leader and current Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has maintained neutrality and stated that the party will not issue formal voting recommendations for the runoff, reflecting internal divisions within the centre-right ranks.
Political analysts say Mendes’s endorsement could help broaden support for Seguro among moderate and centre-right voters who oppose a presidency under Ventura, especially as other parties — including the Left Bloc and Livre — have also indicated their backing for the Socialist candidate.
The presidential runoff is shaping up to be one of the most politically charged contests in recent Portuguese history, with key debates expected to centre on democratic values, national unity, and Portugal’s role in Europe.