Alberto João Jardim (AJJ) understands that the PSD is split in two and believes that the fault lies with the current president. As such, he has stated on several occasions that a new candidate should be put forward, who will appeal to both sides so that a stable environment for the current government can be created and succeed.
Speaking to CNN, the former president says that “a party leader unites and does not disunite” and that in “nine years the current president has been unable to unite the party.”
Jardim believes that the solution should be to call everyone together, listen to what they have to say, and be careful of alienating anyone.”
He considers that new internal elections will not solve the current scenario, because the “Electoral College that elects the Political Commission has changed a lot” since his time.
He believes it is necessary, therefore, “to find a person who has the consensus of the nucleus that is now in the Government of Madeira, because there are many people who do not agree with continuity, but cannot say so publicly.”
AJJ does not doubt Manuel António’s competence but believes that the current scenario justifies the launch of another figure. And he has “more than ‘one’ name that could hold the Government. ” Which is neither Manuel António’s group, nor this group [that is in power].”
“At this moment, given the fissure that has been established between the two parties, I go back to the beginning: we need a leader to unite the party. When I saw that I no longer united the party, I left of my own free will.”
The former leader of the PSD/Madeira did not want to divulge his recommended candidates but says they are “people who worked with Miguel Albuquerque and that he should accept. And that the others, in the name of party unity, must make an effort to accept.”
At this stage, Jardim says he has no doubt that there is a “conspiracy” within Albuquerque’s group, that intends to remove him. “It is necessary that the nucleus closest to him and who now understands that he must leave, tell him that he has 48 hours to make a decision. Otherwise, they will start supporting X or Y, who was a person who always supported you, never betrayed you, and who you cannot oppose.”
It will be interesting to see who AJJ has in mind.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
