Madeiran businessman Raul Perestrello today announced 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 a businessman linked to the real estate sector and fine jewellery, announced his candidacy in a speech at a luxury hotel in Lisbon.

The businessman said 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 and 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 an "active presidency that unites rather than divides, that listens to the younger generation, that values emigrants and that defends social justice without ideological noise" and guaranteed that he was presenting a candidacy "made with independence".

"We can't keep looking inwards. We can't continue to criticise. Nor should we feed poverty and use it as a tool to justify the mistakes of the past. We have proved our capabilities to ourselves. It's time to open Portugal up to the world," he said.

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

Regarding his ideological position, he said that his politics "neither go 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 be launching his candidacy in Madeira next week and guaranteed that his campaign will go all over the country.