This moment occurred at the end of Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa’s speech during the opening session of the conference commemorating the 50th anniversary of IDL – Instituto Amaro da Costa, held at the Teatro Thalia in Lisbon.
The Head of State began by highlighting the IDL’s fight “since its inception” in defense of freedom in Portugal. He then addressed the president of the executive board of the entity, university professor and former CDS president Manuel Monteiro.
“Therefore, I would present to its president [Manuel Monteiro] – I don’t know if you’d like to include someone else, those who have had responsibilities in the institute throughout history – the insignia corresponding to the title of honorary member of the Order of Freedom,” he declared.
At that point, a member of the audience informed the President of the Republic that it was impossible to immediately conduct the protocol act. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was heard incredulously commenting: “Didn’t bring it? You don’t have it with you?”
He then turned back to the theater audience with a humorous note: “It is a minor bureaucratic gap that defines that the country, in many characteristics, has not changed much in 50 years. It is acknowledged. The permit is signed,” he emphasized.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa then requested current leaders and some former officials of the IDL – Instituto Adelino Amaro da Costa to soon visit the Palácio de Belém for the presentation of the insignia.
In his speech, the President of the Republic recalled that he was a collaborator with the institute and witnessed its activities over the past 50 years.
“As President of the Portuguese Republic, [I understand] that its 50 years should be recognized through the awarding of a decoration in the name of Portugal. And I thought there was only one that fit well: the Order of Freedom. Because the Order of Freedom is conceived for all those who fought in the past, fight in the present, and will fight in the future for freedom,” justified the Head of State.
At this point, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa went a little further: “Portugal and Portuguese democracy are indeed very grateful to IDL – Instituto Amaro da Costa for the contribution it made to birth, survive in difficult circumstances, and contribute to the affirmation of freedom and democracy in Portugal.”
