A congress to disguise the new 'geringonça'

The current iteration of the Portuguese Social Democratic Party (PSD) is far from neutral, according to this opinion piece. The author contends that the party has veered significantly from its former centrist stance, now exhibiting characteristics more aligned with the "integralist Lusitanian" ideology that inspires the far-right Chega party. This represents a notable departure from its past programmatic closeness to the Socialist Party (PS).

The piece suggests that this ideological shift is not accidental but rather a deliberate strategy. The author characterizes the situation as the formation of a new "geringonça," a term historically used to describe the complex parliamentary arrangements that have governed Portugal. This implies a calculated move to forge a new political alliance or dynamic within the Portuguese political landscape.

By drawing a parallel between the PSD's current direction and Chega's foundational principles, the article posits that the PSD is embracing a more nationalist and potentially less moderate platform. This repositioning raises questions about the party's future direction and its relationship with other political forces in Portugal, particularly the PS, with which it once shared common ground.