The proposal to postpone the National Congress to March 2024 was approved with 155 votes in favor during the second meeting of the National Commission of the PS, which took place in Matosinhos, in Porto district, as revealed by Carlos César, the party’s president.

Carlos César further commented that there was an alternative proposal from a group of members who favored holding the National Congress in next  September, but it only received 18 votes in favor.

The government, currently facing pressure due to various cases discussed in the parliamentary inquiry commission on TAP‘s management, has been under scrutiny.

In this context, Carlos César, the president of the PS, recently suggested a “refreshment” of the government, while Alexandra Leitão, a former minister, even advocated for a ‘reset’ in António Costa’s team.

However, despite these suggestions, the prime minister has not shown any inclination to make changes and has decided to retain João Galamba as the Minister of Infrastructure, directly opposing the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

Regarding the National Congress, originally scheduled for next September, it will now take place from March 15th to 17th, 2024, according to the announcement made by Carlos César, the party’s president, on Saturday.

However, it should be noted that these dates are “merely indicative,” as stated by the socialist upon leaving the National Congress of the PS.

Looking ahead, the PS’s subsequent congress in 2026 is expected to take place approximately six or seven months before the legislative elections, assuming the legislative term is completed.

The congress, occurring in the first quarter of 2024, will serve as a platform to launch the socialist campaign for the upcoming European elections in June of the following year.

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