Livre congress in Sintra picks Pinto and Mendes Lopes as new spokespersons, Tavares slams rental law as 'domain of delirium'

Leadership transition

Rui Tavares is stepping down after years as the main spokesperson of Livre. The favourite list at the 17th congress in Sintra on 11 July 2026 is headed by Isabel Mendes Lopes and Jorge Pinto, with Tavares in third place. He will remain a deputy and, if elected, will take charge of strategy, communication and training. Pinto, a deputy and former presidential candidate, told the congress that it is “inevitable that Livre will reach power” and accused the Socialist Party of handing the government “blank cheques”, pledging that his party would never do the same.

It is inevitable that Livre will reach power.

Mendes Lopes, the current parliamentary leader, was asked about being a candidate for prime minister. She replied that no one involved in politics can refuse the challenge of serving the country, though no elections are currently scheduled.

Internal democracy debate

The congress also aired sharp criticism from opposition lists S and V over the party’s internal workings. Rodrigo Brito, leading list S, said that “a tree grows upward but only resists if it grows roots,” calling for more democratic decision-making and warning against “concentration of power.” His colleague Sara Peralta rejected the proposed creation of a secretary-general position, arguing that statutory changes should be made through proper debate, not by acclamation at an elective congress.

We don't need another party closing itself in Parliament. Livre needs to be with the population.

Tiago Mota, head of list V, said the party must be an “antidote” to a sick democracy and criticised the closing of the party within the “four walls of parliament,” urging a return to listening to the population.

Dispute over local councilor network

A three-hour debate on specific motions erupted when member Martim Freitas spoke against two motions, including the creation of a “Rede GEI” for gender and intersectionality and a support line for hate speech victims. Freitas warned that the party creates structures without following through, pointing to the network of local councilors created in October that is still not functioning.

It is not enough to plant the seed.

The criticism drew quick responses. Safaa Dib called it “unjust and wild,” admitting the network is still taking its first steps. Joana Alves Pereira, a local councilor in Lisbon, urged caution in speaking. Deputy Paulo Muacho called for joint effort, while Tomás Cardoso Pereira stressed that building things takes time and commitment.

Tavares' parting shots

In his farewell address, Rui Tavares attacked the government’s new rental law as belonging to “the domain of delirium” and criticised the agreement between Hugo Soares (PSD) and André Ventura (Chega) to revise the Constitution next year. He refused to frame the leadership change as a new phase, describing it instead as a rearguard role for himself.