António José Seguro, 64, was formally sworn in as President of Portugal in a ceremony held at the Assembly of the Republic in Lisbon, marking the start of his five-year term. He succeeds Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who completed two terms as president.
Seguro took the oath of office before members of parliament, government officials, and representatives of the diplomatic corps, pledging to uphold the Constitution and defend the interests of the Portuguese people.
In his inaugural address, he remarked, “I will be a president who is close to the people, who listens to and understands their concerns. I will always act with respect for the Constitution of the Republic. I will be attentive to inequalities and committed to social justice and human dignity. I will be demanding of institutions and political leaders, always to improve the lives of the Portuguese people,” he said.
The new president also emphasized national unity and democratic stability at a time of global uncertainty. “I will be a president for all Portuguese — those who live in Portugal and the millions who represent our nation abroad,” Seguro said. “Our democracy must remain a space of dialogue, moderation, and respect for the Constitution. Portugal’s future depends on our capacity to work together and strengthen our institutions,” he added.
Underscoring the importance of civic responsibility and institutional trust, the president-elect stated that “the strength of the Republic lies in the confidence citizens place in its democratic institutions and in the responsibility of leaders to serve with transparency and integrity.”
António José Seguro highlighted Portugal’s international role and the importance of strengthening ties across the Atlantic. “Portugal is a country open to the world, anchored in Europe but deeply connected to the Atlantic,” he said.
Reaffirming Portugal’s commitment to the European Union, NATO cooperation, and the strategic importance of the autonomous regions of the Azores and Madeira, he stated, “From the Azores and Madeira to our communities abroad, the Portuguese presence around the globe is one of our greatest strategic and cultural assets.”
The presidential inauguration will feature a two-day program extending to Arganil, Guimarães, and Porto, with initiatives reflecting the priorities and aims of his mandate.
According to the official inauguration program, following the formal swearing-in ceremony before the Assembly of the Republic on the morning of March 9, the new President opened the gardens of Belém Palace to the public and met with young people at a university in Lisbon.
On March 10, the Head of State will continue the program in other regions of Portugal, visiting the village of Mourísia, in the municipality of Arganil, Coimbra district, as well as the historic city of Guimarães, in the Braga district. The program concludes that evening in Porto, where a musical concert will take place, followed by the president-elect being formally received at Porto City Hall.
While largely ceremonial, the presidency carries significant moral and constitutional authority, including the power to dissolve parliament, veto legislation, and act as a stabilizing figure in Portuguese political life. Observers say Seguro’s election reflects a broad call for institutional balance following a closely watched presidential campaign that also mobilized significant participation from Portuguese voters abroad.
António José Seguro was born on March 11, 1962, in Penamacor, in Portugal’s Castelo Branco district. A longtime member of the Socialist Party, he began his political career in youth politics and later served as a member of the European Parliament from 1999 to 2004. He subsequently held several leadership roles within the Portuguese parliament and government before becoming secretary-general of the Socialist Party from 2011 to 2014.
Known for his moderate political style and emphasis on dialogue and institutional stability, Seguro remained an influential figure in Portuguese public life after leaving party leadership. His presidential campaign focused on strengthening democratic institutions, promoting social cohesion, and reinforcing Portugal’s engagement with the global Portuguese diaspora, themes that are expected to shape his presidency over the coming five years.
Seguro officially announced his candidacy in mid-June 2025, and the Socialist Party (PS) only formally approved its support for the candidate in October, after the municipal elections. His victory is remarkable given that his entry into the presidential race was met with little enthusiasm, even within his own political camp.
Carolina Matos/Editor
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