Leadership reshuffle

Luís Montenegro, leader of the centre-right Social Democratic Party (PSD) and Portuguese prime minister, presented his proposed national leadership list on 20 June during the party's 43rd congress in Anadia. The most prominent additions are three new vice-presidents: Sebastião Bugalho, a member of the European Parliament who also becomes party spokesperson; Carlos Moedas, the mayor of Lisbon; and Pedro Duarte, the mayor of Porto. Bugalho, the youngest of the trio, joined the PSD in October 2024 and was the lead candidate for the Democratic Alliance in the last European elections.

Existing vice-presidents Leonor Beleza, who remains first vice-president, Alexandre Poço and Inês Palma Ramalho stay in the permanent commission. Hugo Soares continues as secretary-general. Three outgoing vice-presidents depart: Carlos Coelho moves to lead the Sá Carneiro Institute, labour leader Lucinda Dâmaso leaves the directorate, and Rui Rocha stays on as a board member. Montenegro said he kept intact the principle of distancing party militancy from the business of governing, with ministers sitting only in the extended directorate.

Key appointments beyond the directorate

Former finance minister Maria Luís Albuquerque will head the list to the National Council, the party's highest body between congresses. The list also includes parliamentary vice-president Teresa Morais, former officials Luís Campos Ferreira and Pedro Reis, as well as Sofia Ribeiro and Fernando Angleu. José Manuel Bolieiro will replace Miguel Albuquerque as president of the Congress Bureau, with former deputy Rubina Leal serving as vice-president.

State Reform minister Gonçalo Marias will preside over the National Jurisdiction Council, a role previously held by health minister Ana Paula Martins, who now leads the National Financial Audit Committee. The National Political Commission retains cabinet members Paulo Rangel, Miguel Pinto Luz, Margarida Balseiro Lopes, António Leitão Amaro and Joaquim Miranda Sarmento.

Succession dynamics

According to Observador, the reshuffle brings several names seen as possible future party leaders closer to Montenegro. Pedro Duarte is regarded as the prime minister's preferred direct successor, while Carlos Moedas – who recaptured Lisbon for the PSD in a surprise 2025 victory – could be a candidate in a later cycle. Moedas, speaking after his promotion, confirmed he will seek re-election as Lisbon mayor in the next local ballot.

“In 2029 we will win by a much larger margin and a great absolute majority.”

Next steps

Delegates will vote on the proposed national leadership on 21 June, the final day of the congress. Montenegro expressed confidence in the outcome.

“I believe conditions are in place for all delegates to exercise their right to vote and confirm that the party president's choices correspond to a broadly majority will of our membership.”