In this engaging conversation where cdK, one of the most famous Portuguese podcast, were analyzing the elections live, the hosts discuss the current political climate in Portugal with Claudia Nunes, President of LOLA Portugal & a prominent commentator on political issues. Claudia highlights the polarization in Portugal, particularly focusing on the rise of the Chega party. She describes Chega as having a nationalist-socialist matrix, with a strong statist component, which contrasts sharply with classical liberal principles. Claudia argues that despite Chega’s growing influence, its economic policies are fundamentally statist rather than libertarian, as it proposes expanding rather than reducing the state.
The discussion delves into the lack of effective economic proposals from Chega and the challenges faced by more liberal parties in Portugal. Claudia expresses frustration over the lack of genuine libertarian economic reforms and the tendency of political figures to maintain or increase state control. The hosts also touch on the internal conflicts within the Liberal Initiative (IL) and the difficulties in reconciling classical and social liberal ideologies.
Claudia and the hosts agree on the need for a stronger libertarian presence in Portugal, potentially through the formation of a new libertarian party to unify efforts and promote a free-market vision. The conversation concludes with a shared desire for more unity among libertarians and a recognition of the importance of listening to diverse perspectives.
Watch the full podcast below.