José Mendes Bota, a leading figure in the PSD/Algarve, who led in eight terms, accepted Luís Montenegro's invitation to be representative in the Algarve region of his candidacy for the PSD presidency.
Over forty years, Mendes Bota played numerous roles in the party and in the country, having been successively president of the Chamber and of the Municipal Assembly of Loulé, parliamentarian for 24 years in the European Parliament, in the Assembly of the Republic and in other international forums, with emphasis on the Council of Europe.
Retired from active politics since late 2014, Mendes Bota was until recently a European Union diplomat at the Council of Europe (in Strasbourg) and the Holy See (in Rome).
“In the current conjuncture and circumstances, I believe that, of the names spoken to dispute the leadership of the party, Luís Montenegro is the best positioned and able to occupy the place, without pinching the competence and dedication of Jorge Moreira da Silva, who deserves me all due respect”, said the former Social Democrat deputy.
“For several years I had the opportunity to witness Luís Montenegro's capacity for political coordination and intervention as parliamentary leader of the PSD. Portuguese democracy needs a consistent, reliable and powerful alternative as only the PSD can be, and I believe Luís Montenegro is capable of overcoming this challenge. The trust he expressed in me on many occasions prevented me from refusing his invitation, at this delicate moment in the life of the PSD”, added Mendes Bota.
Cristiano Cabrita, vice-president of the Albufeira City Council, is the district director of campaign for Luís Montenegro. Teresa Martins, physician and former president of JSD/Faro, is the representative for Youth. Filomena Sintra, from MSD/Algarve and vice-president of the Municipality of Castro Marim, is the representative for Women.
Direct elections to choose the next PSD president are scheduled for the 28th of May, with Luís Montenegro coming to the Algarve on the 14th, with a clarification session with the Social Democrats in Loulé.
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