Vicente Pinto de Andrade commented to Lusa on the forecast of the Economist Inteligente Unit (EIU), according to which the President should seek re-election in 2027, advancing to a new term and bypassing the limit of two imposed by the Angolan Constitution.
"I don't believe it," said the MPLA deputy who even positioned himself as an independent presidential candidate during the time of former President José Eduardo dos Santos, stressing that João Lourenço is betting on the relaunch of Angola as "a reliable country" and that you want to "put in line".
"That's what's happening", highlighted the politician.
According to the report by the analysis unit of the group The Economist, the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) is expected to win the elections in Angola again in 2027, with João Lourenço running as head of the party's list for a third party mandate, bypassing the limit of two imposed by the Angolan Constitution.
Without giving names as to who would be the most suitable candidate to succeed João Lourenço at the head of the MPLA and run in the general elections, Vicente Pinto de Andrade stated that it is "natural and expected" that several people will appear to run for office, despite this not have been the party's practice.
"The country is changing, today there is a plurality and an openness that has never existed. It is the first time that people feel free to give their opinions, they give their opinions and they are not arrested, so there are all the conditions for people, if they want, to apply", said the economist and university professor.
As for the MPLA, which has been at the forefront of Angola's destinies since the country became independent, "it is increasingly valued, with more capable people, it is natural that companions who want to compete appear".
The appearance of several candidates will be, according to Pinto de Andrade, confirmation that João Lourenço "contributes to the democratization of the country and the MPLA itself".
Regarding the party's chances of victory in the next elections, he considered that "the one who is transforming Angola from a political and economic point of view is the MPLA", so it is natural that the figures who "can contribute to the deepening of the democracy".
For the MPLA deputy, the party's drop in popularity "is natural" taking into account that the economy is going through "difficult times" given the crisis affecting the world and also Angola.
"It is natural that there are a group of Angolans who are not satisfied because they do not realize that the difficult situation that our country is experiencing is also a product of the global crisis", he highlighted.
Vicente Pinto de Andrade said that the MPLA "will continue to work", being, in his opinion, the only party that "still has the quality to lead the country", and it is up to the people to make their choices.
"In a democracy, anything goes," he said, adding that he does not believe in sudden changes.
As for the MPLA, it must work and prepare to earn the trust of the Angolan people again, he added.
"It's clear that these are no longer almost 100 percent victories, but it's natural, democracy is like that and I like democracy (...) and I think the MPLA is still the party that deserves the trust to transform this country", he commented, also pointing out internal attacks on the MPLA itself.
"There are Angolans who lost perks they had in the past, people who were from the MPLA and who are now against the MPLA, some were involved in unclear situations and are sad, they are angry", acting against the party and the president himself, he stressed.
