In the draft resolution – which does not have the force of law, being a recommendation to the executive branch – the Chega Parliamentary Group argues that "notwithstanding the recognised merit" of the current initiative, "the current model is manifestly insufficient in the face of the demands and dangers of the current international security context."

"This format, lasting only one day, does not allow for any type of training or the carrying out of activities that truly prepare young people for the challenges we face today and for the uncertainties of the future. Therefore, a profound reformulation of this model is necessary,” the draft resolution states.

National Defence Week

The party led by André Ventura proposes the establishment of a National Defence Week, “with a minimum duration of five working days,” which “will not only significantly expand informational areas (including topics such as cybersecurity, civil protection, and awareness of hybrid threats), but also carry out military inspections of the citizens summoned.”

Complementary activities

“In parallel, each branch of the Armed Forces may define complementary activities that it considers appropriate to its specificities and operational needs,” the text adds, which will be debated this week in the Parliamentary Committee on National Defence.

Chega also argues that “this reformulation will provide the Portuguese State with a more up-to-date view of citizens of mobilisable age, thus facilitating the planning and eventual activation of mechanisms to reinforce troops in emergency situations or external threats.”

Strengthening military preparedness

“At a time when our European partners are strengthening their military preparedness mechanisms and raising awareness among young people about defence issues, Portugal cannot remain indifferent to this reality,” the party argues.

The party argues that, given the “new context of instability and unpredictability, it is imperative that Europe, and Portugal in particular, adopt a posture of greater preparedness and resilience in the field of Defence.”

For Chega, this effort “cannot be limited to the strictly military sphere,” requiring a “much broader awareness in society of issues related to sovereignty, security, and defence.”

Preparation of younger generations

It is in this context that the party considers “the preparation of younger generations to be of particular importance,” stating that it is on them that “the ultimate responsibility of ensuring the continued existence of Portugal as a sovereign state will fall, in a future marked by uncertainty.”

Currently, National Defence Day (DDN) is a mandatory initiative for citizens aged 18 and over that aims to raise awareness among young citizens about defence issues and to publicise the role of the Armed Forces through various activities.