During the biweekly executive meeting, Filipe Aguiar addressed concerns raised by parents, grandparents, and even teachers.
He mentioned incidents reported at Carlos Amarante Secondary School, where classes were allegedly disrupted because classrooms were occupied by groups of students for religious and Islamic practices.
“If confirmed, this is extremely serious (…). These are concrete reports that compel us to act decisively, but also with seriousness, calmness, and fairness,” he stated.
Filipe Aguiar proposed that the executive arrange a program of visits to all the schools in the municipality, facilitating open discussions with administrations, teachers, parent associations, student representatives, and specialized technicians to understand the situation.
“Where there are abuses, they must be rectified. Where there are misunderstandings, they should be clarified. Where there are good practices, they should be valued. Integrating newcomers, yes. Erasing our identity, no. The municipality must do more, do better, and be genuinely attentive to these situations occurring in our city’s daily life. One day, surely, someone or some movement will want to suspend popular festivals, like the São João in Braga, for example,” he remarked.
He clarified that he is not conducting summary judgments nor promoting a witch hunt, nor even pointing fingers at religious communities or children seeking integration.
In response, the Mayor, João Rodrigues, stated he was unaware of any classes canceled for religious worship or any requests to cancel Christmas festivities or to hold celebrations with “greater discretion.”
He also noted that if what Chega reported is true, the City Council will determine what actions should be taken.
“I do not know if what you are telling us is something you heard or if you are sure it happened,” he added.
He remarked that each councilor can bring whatever they see fit to the council meeting but urged responsibility and the need for “some screening and preliminary work,” so as not to stir up unnecessary fears, “especially on such significant issues as these.”
Filipe Aguiar stressed that these were “personal reports” but refrained from identifying the schools allegedly imposing restrictions on Christmas celebrations, noting only that there are three, from the first cycle to primary education.
“We will verify the accuracy of these reports,” he said, adding that he would later disclose which schools are involved.
