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Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa made his statements during celebrations to mark the 111th anniversary of the Implementation of the Republic in a speech during which he called for "a more inclusive Portugal".
"The Portugal that we live in will never overcome the challenges of the economy and knowledge if we do not know how to assume, without traumas or complexities, that our national identity is made up by valuing our emigrants around the world, around six million, and also immigrants, 600,000 according to statistics”, he said.
The head of state added that national identity is made up "of races, cultures, religions, customs, practices, in the tens and hundreds, with their differences and their right to non-discrimination."
"They shape this national identity, give universal projection and spiritual wealth that belongs to all of us", he added, asking for "non-discrimination".
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa also highlighted the need to move forward to respond to the challenges of the modern world more effectively. According to the President of the Republic, Portugal has taken "so many very important steps" in terms of development, but has still ended up "being left behind" in comparison with other countries, "even after years or decades of growth and economic convergence".
In his opinion, a broader focus on knowledge is needed, with "many, many more people in education, science and culture".
"The people we have now are more and better than they were 10, 20, 30 years ago – and, at best, the best of the best from around the world – but we need many, many more people, in schools, in health centres, in research, in companies and in social institutions", he concluded.
The ceremony, on 5 October, took place at a time of political transition at Lisbon City Hall, which marks the end of 14 years of socialist management, first with António Costa (2007-2015) and then with Fernando Medina, who lost the municipal elections of September 26 to Carlos Moedas (PSD), who attended the event at the invitation of the outgoing mayor.
This was the fifth speech by Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at ceremonies commemorating the Implementation of the Republic, in Praça do Município, and the first of his second term as President of the Republic, which began in March 2021.
Last year, the ceremony took place with restrictions because of the covid-19 pandemic, and today the session takes place again in the main hall of the Paços de Concelho building, unlike previous editions, which took place outdoors, in Municipal square, with many guests. In 2019, the ceremony was symbolic and without speeches, as it coincided with the day of reflection for the local elections and with the national mourning decreed by the death of Diogo Freitas do Amaral.
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The President should be aware of how Portuguese Citizens are been treated by consular officals across the globe and the performance of Embassy of Portugal is assisting Portuguese Citizens . Citizens are the future of Portugal. Immigrants only come to Portugal to live and receive Portuguese passport and then again immigrate to England , America , Canada. Marcelo Rebelo Souza needs to be wise while speaking . Estado Novo principles were the best ever in Portugal.
By Aaron Neil Savio Noronha from Porto on 07 Oct 2021, 16:49
I'm a recent immigrant to Portugal, and my family is part of the large Portuguese diaspora in South Africa.
I love Portugal and truly feel at home here, but if Portugal wants to attract top talent we need to end the bureaucracy, especially in terms of recognising overseas qualifications.
What took 3 weeks in The Netherlands took over 6 months in Portugal - in the end I was unable to wait & decided to make a career transition instead of dealing with the useless staff at Lisbon University.
Portugal has a lot to offer & so much potential; get the basics right at the government & administratives levels and we can all work to improve our country.
By Quentin Ferreira from Lisbon on 07 Oct 2021, 17:39
Be very careful what you wish for.!!!!!
By J from Lisbon on 07 Oct 2021, 20:21
Is it possible the more we identify ourselves to a Nation, the further we fall into Racism?
Was John Lennon just a hippy? Imagine eh
By Joe from Alentejo on 07 Oct 2021, 21:28
SURE...you want outsiders to come to Portugal and most of the institutions do not speak english and they tell you off if you do not speak Portuguese. Being in Portugal 3 years now, after choosing it because of the good publicity that Portugal does about itself. Behind the curtain there is a mess. Bureaucracy is a mess, Portuguese people do not trust their own government and people, they see foreigners only as money walking entities and take advantage of them.
Could be one of the best country in the world to live but is ruined by their own people and government. Greed, corruption and closemindness above all.
Good luck to us here. Happy for the people that actually have no issues, probably they are millionaires.
Portugal is behind like dogsblls compare to the rest of the world but pretends and brag to be one of the best countries for quality of life. 70% of the population lives in poverty basically making the richer richer and poor poorer.
So sad.
Good luck to all of us that want to make it here.
Bless you.
By Juno Tiedy from Algarve on 07 Oct 2021, 22:09
Just talk. No action. Full of bragging. No facts.
By Jan from Other on 08 Oct 2021, 06:51
Finally someone who says it as it is! Juno is spot on about everything. Portuguese marketing is all smoke and mirrors hiding dire poverty, pitiful lack of quality of life (just look at how filthy urban areas are, how badly people treat animals and the total lack of healthy neighbourhoods which are made up of cement cement cement and no green spaces). It really is time for Portugal to live up to what it proclaims to be.
By K from Algarve on 08 Oct 2021, 09:38
Here come the usual comments. "Things were much better under fascism", "everyone in Portugal should speak English rather than their own silly little language", etc..
All we need now is a "it was nice when I first came but now there are too many foreigners coming" (yes, because just as you moved, it was suddenly exactly the right number of foreigners and anymore was too many - not pulling up the drawbridge eh?) and I have a Portugal News bingo full house!
By Paul from Lisbon on 08 Oct 2021, 11:54
Bom Dia! My respect to one and all. The thoughts expressed by Honorable Respected Mr. Marcelo are positive and are of a torch bearer leader guiding his nation on the path of progress. I have come from India on 9th September 2021 and I consider this as the land of my forefathers. Progress is a long term phenomenon and inspirational thoughts as those expressed by Respected Mr. Marcel should make immigrants and citizens contribute for greater glory of the nation and our World!
By Mr. Ivel Colaco from Alentejo on 08 Oct 2021, 12:31
What cut-and-paste drivel!
By Joao from USA on 08 Oct 2021, 12:38
The people that founded Portugal, when Portugal became a nation, they were Christian, some came from the crusaders, that's why the Portuguese flag has a cross and 5 shields , with the 5 wounds( chagas) of Jesus Christ. Let's keep Portugal a Christian nation, any foreigners that come to Portugal should become CHRISTIAN. if you go to other countries you also have to respect their religion and traditions. We don't need a ZOO of different religions in Portugal, God forbid. Jesus Christ is the Lord our God. Amen
By Tony from Other on 08 Oct 2021, 16:38
I completely agree that Portugal will be better served to eliminate the governmental bureaucracy in all aspects of life for the betterment and economic competitiveness of the country. Kudos to President Robelo de Sousa’s remarks.
By Santiago from USA on 08 Oct 2021, 17:21
Love Portugal and its people. The only fustrating issue is that if you do the Golden visa route your residency card takes longer than 6 months and waiting. Where with a D7 visa it is 2 weeks. Cannot understand if we invested in the country why does ours take this long?
By Erica Panaino from Lisbon on 08 Oct 2021, 20:53
I find it absolutely hilarious how most of these comments bad-mouthing Portugal are from actual Portuguese or those “Claiming to be Portuguese” If Portugal is such a terrible place, what’s stoping you from emigrating? Such self-hating people in the world. Maybe if you stop putting your country down, and getting off your backside and work hard like everyone else, Portugal would attract more people. But bu complaining about everything under the sun isnt going to improve your life. Jesus, I can’t believe how much of a self-defeatious mentalility some of you have. Jesus
By Helder from UK on 09 Oct 2021, 16:08
Portugal has becoming so "inclusive" that, lately, when I visit I almost don't recognize anymore many parts of the country where I lived, studied and worked for more than three decades! To find out you just have to drive along the coast North to South or into the panoramic country side, beautiful cities, exquisite towns, unique villages and the many centuries old castles! What is more visible now, shocking and choking too are the endless and tasteless touristic developments often walled to protect the tourists (from the locals, I suppose!), magnificent monuments, expensive hotels, and unique restaurants available almost exclusively to rich foreigners and not really to the Portuguese people! Even the servers are often not Portuguese anymore! To be a waiter better in a foreign country! Reinforcing this trend, the current President together with his socialist Government do their utmost to make Portugal more "inclusive" and every day less Portuguese! Great! It's so sad! The "vendilhões do templo" (temple vendors) are finally reaching their purpose by getting rid of what has been since immemorial times the body and soul of Portugal: the fulfilling and proud feeling of being Portuguese!
By Tony Fernandes from Other on 09 Oct 2021, 22:03
Errata: In the first line replace "has becoming" by "is becoming". Thank you.
By Tony Fernandes from Other on 11 Oct 2021, 02:15