Manuel Afonso Silva Strecht Monteiro passed away on May 15, at the age of 83.
The vote of condolence, presented by the PS, highlights his “ethical, civic, professional, and political intervention,” stating that he “left a significant mark on the community and the construction of democracy.”
“An anti-fascist fighter, defender of women’s rights, fervent advocate for democracy and freedom, he had a professional life dedicated to the National Health Service, always guided by the spirit of public service and closeness to people,” the text states.
The vote of condolence emphasizes Manuel Strecht Monteiro’s role as a deputy in the VII Legislature, noting that he was “instrumental in the approval of the Voluntary Termination of Pregnancy Law,” a “civilizational advancement that he defended firmly, facing resistance, but always with the same goal: to make the country fairer and freer.”
Manuel Strecht Monteiro was born in 1941, in Porto. He was also president of the Fiães Parish Council, a candidate for the presidency of the Santa Maria da Feira Municipal Chamber, councilor, and municipal deputy elected by the PS.
A doctor by profession, he presided over the Association of Hospital Career Doctors of the Northern Regional Section of the Order of Doctors and directed various hospital services in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. He also chaired the installation committee of the Hospital de Santa Maria da Feira, “where he always expressed his unwavering commitment to the values of democracy, social justice, and civic participation,” the vote indicates.
Through this vote, the Assembly of the Republic expresses its sorrow for the death of Manuel Strecht Monteiro, “paying tribute to his civic journey, and expressing heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and comrades.”
Today, the parliament also approved another vote of condolence, presented by the PSD, for the death of José António Silva.
José António Sousa Silva, originally from Leiria, was born in 1955. He was a “distinguished doctor, exemplary citizen, and a reference figure of the Leiria district,” who “dedicated his entire life to the public cause and the service of others,” the vote states.
“He did so in the practice of medicine, with humanistic dedication to his patients, and through a long and committed path of civic and political participation,” reads the text.
The vote also recalls his political journey, indicating that the PSD militant was leader of the Leiria party council, president of the Parish Council of Parceiros, deputy to the Assembly of the Republic, and president of the Leiria Municipal Assembly.
“In all these functions, he demonstrated a sense of mission, spirit of dialogue, and a deep connection to his land and its people. Even after a life of service, he was preparing to return to active political life, having accepted the candidacy for the presidency of the Union of Parishes of Parceiros and Azoia in the upcoming local elections. This gesture reveals his unwavering commitment to local democracy and the common good,” the text emphasizes.
The approved vote also highlights that José António Silva “leaves an indelible mark on Leiria’s and the nation’s public life,” offering “the most heartfelt condolences” to “the bereaved family, friends, political companions, and all the people of Leiria who shared causes and ideals with him.”
