Porto, Portugal, March 6, 2026 (Lusa) - Former Social Democrat prime minister, Pedro Passos Coelho, on Friday advised Portugal's current prime minister, Luís Montenegro, to focus on what he was elected to do and not get distracted by other matters.

"I recommend that those in government, starting with the head of government, focus on that mission and not be distracted by anything else," advised the former head of government as he entered the 4th edition of the Summit of the Student Association of the Faculty of Economics of the University of Porto (AEFEP).

In a brief statement to journalists, the Social Democrat also said he hoped that the party would "get the job done and do what it has to do," stressing that this was why people voted for the party.

"This is the time, I believe, for Luís Montenegro to focus on exercising these functions and responsibilities," insisted the former PSD leader.

Pedro Passos Coelho stressed that Luís Montenegro has taken on a responsibility towards the country and that, in this context, people are waiting for change.

"I believe that the conditions are beginning to be in place for this change to start being implemented. We have closed a long electoral cycle and now we have almost three and a half years ahead of us," he said.

The former PSD leader recalled that people expect the PSD/CDS-PP government's term of office to meet their expectations for change in the country.

Despite journalists' insistence on Montenegro's proposal to hold direct party leadership elections in May, challenging anyone who has a different path to come forward, Passos Coelho said he "understood the interest" but nevertheless refused to comment.

"The leader of the PSD felt he should propose bringing forward the PSD's internal electoral calendar, which is something that must be respected. He knows best, and the Political Commission knows when they want to hold the elections," he stressed.

SVF/AYLS // AYLS

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