“I would like to thank you for leading Portugal throughout these turbulent ten years,” wrote the head of the European Commission in a message released on social media, after receiving the Portuguese head of state in Brussels at the end of his term.

The head of the European Commission also stressed that the Portuguese President “represents the democratic spirit of Portugal. In moments of serenity, he was a unifying presence. In times of crisis, a firm hand.

From the pandemic to the tragedy of the forest fires, he was close to his people, with proximity and humanity, listening, comforting and reassuring. Europe benefited from his wisdom, his conviction and his humanity.”