Presidential elections in Portugal: Cavaquism, Sebastianism and Popular Hopes

Abstract:

Aníbal Cavaco Silva’s wide margin of victory (50.59% of votes) is part of a tradition of Portuguese charismatic presidents, a sort of monarchy elected directly by universal suffrage, but with powers that correspond to those of a head of state in a semi-presidential republic. His election was also favoured by the divisions between the leftist candidates and their obsession with presenting Cavaco Silva as a threat to democracy.

By contrast, the president-elect conducted a campaign free of name-calling. He managed to spark the enthusiasm of voters who see in him a renowned economic expert who was prime minister during the period of prosperity and high hopes that characterised Portugal’s entry into the European Union. Cavaco Silva has promised ‘strategic cooperation’ with the socialist government of José Sócrates, but his character will make him an active president, capable of expressing his opinions and offering proposals for the government to act upon.