"I look at the other candidacies and I see no one speaking on behalf of companies, not even the AD, which should have a particular sensitivity for these issues. I see them dealing with this. In fact, in the debates it was clear that Sebastião Bugalho does not understand enough about the economy to be able to help these companies," said João Cotrim de Figueiredo at the end of a visit to the DRT Moldes factory in Leiria. According to the leader of the IL list, Bugalho "does not have the capacity to discuss economic issues", which is serious because he is the representative of a party that "should have more sensitivity for these matters". For the liberal leader, there is no candidacy, with the exception of the IL, with the capacity to be a spokesperson for the concerns of companies and "much less to be able to contribute to solutions". "Someone, in this European election, has to be on the side of these companies that drive the economy in Portugal and that would benefit greatly if the European economy also moved forward," he said. Companies in Portugal, which would have "much to gain" if Europe had an industrial growth strategy, "need someone" who understands their specific difficulties, stressed Cotrim de Figueiredo. "It is important that the voice of those who have concrete knowledge of what the economy needs is present in the European Parliament," he said. In his opinion, it is essential that Portuguese companies benefit from a Europe that once again puts growth first. João Cotrim de Figueiredo stressed that it is not enough to have general notions of how an economy and a company work, and it is necessary to understand that legislation made by those who do not understand the economy and by those who cannot discuss the most relevant economic issues will not produce the necessary results. In Portugal, the European elections will be held on June 9 and will be contested by 17 parties and coalitions: AD, PS, Chega, IL, BE, CDU, Livre, PAN, ADN, MAS, Ergue-te, Nova Direita, Volt Portugal, RIR, Nós Cidadãos, MPT and PTP. 21 deputies will be elected. Read Also: Sebastião Bugalho defends the creation of a European tourism agency (Portuguese version)