Carneiro believes in the PS's victory in the local elections and avoids the scenario of resignation

The PS secretary-general stated today, in Luanda, that he is convinced that the party will continue to deserve trust in the local elections in Portugal, refusing to comment on the possibility of relinquishing the leadership if the results are unsatisfactory.

"We are convinced that we will continue to be the majority in local government in our country, both in parishes and municipalities, and that is the objective for the local elections," said José Luís Carneiro, speaking on the sidelines of a meeting with MPLA vice-president Mara Quiosa.

The Secretary-General of the Socialist Party (PS), José Luís Carneiro, began a two-day visit to Luanda today, accompanied by the President of the Socialist Parliamentary Group, Eurico Brilhante Dias. The trip aims to support the Portuguese community living in Angola at a time when changes to the Nationality and Foreigners' Laws are under discussion, which "have raised doubts and questions among some of our PALOP partners," according to a statement from the party.

When asked whether he would consider leaving the leadership of the Socialist Party if the party had an unsatisfactory result in the next local elections, he preferred to respond with a message of confidence: "My firm conviction is that the Portuguese are well aware that the Socialist Party candidates are people who have done things, are people who do things, and are trustworthy people in whom they can cast their vote."

The next local elections in Portugal are scheduled for October 12, 2025, at a time when the Socialist Party still holds the majority of municipal councils, electing mayors in 148 of the 308 municipalities in 2021, despite having lost some important cities, such as Lisbon and Coimbra.

Carneiro stressed that these elections “are the assessment that is made in the 308 localities” and that the weight of local candidacies will be decisive, although he admits that there is also a “national political signal” associated with the result.

José Luís Carneiro's visit to Angola, which runs from today until Wednesday, includes meetings with Portuguese companies, a visit to the consulate general in Luanda, and a dinner with representatives of the diaspora.

The socialist leader is also expected to be received by João Lourenço, President of Angola and president of the MPLA, the party that has been in power in Angola since 1975 and with which he signed today the renewal of a party cooperation protocol.