Raul Perestrello said he wanted an "active presidency that unites rather than divides, that listens to young people, that values emigrants and that defends social justice without ideological noise".

Madeiran businessman Raul Perestrello announced this Friday his intention to run in the 2026 presidential elections, promising to transform Portugal into a "modern and dynamic" country that "honours its traditions".

Raul Perestrello, 65, born in Machico, Madeira, and entrepreneur linked to real estate and fine jewelleryHe announced his candidacy in a speech at a luxury hotel in Lisbon.

The entrepreneur stated that he is running for Belém because he believes that the "Portuguese deserve a future where those who work are valued", the elderly live with more dignity and the "economy grows from the inside out based on merit, innovation, social justice". "I want to present a Portugal that is modern, dynamic and, above all, loyal and faithful to our roots. A Portugal that honours its traditions, building with ambition and a vision of success," he added.

Raul Perestrello said he wanted one "an active presidency that unites rather than divides, that listens to young people, that values emigrants and that defends social justice without ideological noise" and guaranteed that he is presenting a candidacy "made with independence". "We can no longer just look inwards. We can't continue to criticise. Nor should we feed poverty and use it as an instrument to justify the mistakes of the past. We have proved our capabilities to ourselves. It's time to open Portugal to the world"he said.

Asked about the process of collecting the 7,500 signatures needed to present the candidacyRaul Perestrello said that he would have "enough time" to collect them.

On your ideological position, said that his policy "neither goes to the left nor to the right" and that he intends "to be a president who will collaborate with all parties" and with "the entire population" in the "interests of all". "I'm not here to support some more than others. I'm here to improve the lives of all Portuguese people, regardless of their political colours"he added.

The businessman also said that he will launch his candidacy in Madeira next week and has guaranteed that his campaign will go all over the country.