The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Paulo Rangel, gave an interview on Monday to SIC Notícias, where he discussed not only the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders but also national issues, such as criticism directed at the government’s handling of the fires.
“We are at a historic moment. What happened today at the White House is unprecedented and indicates a turning point, a time of definition. Tomorrow, both the Prime Minister and I will have several meetings where a report from those who participated in today’s meeting will be presented,” he stated, suggesting that Portugal will have a “more concrete image” of what was discussed.
However, Rangel argued that there could be “conditions for peace,” quoting German Chancellor Friedrich Merz: “The negotiations will be very complicated. I believe the primary, fundamental point is the security guarantees – and how each party interprets them.”
Rangel did not believe Donald Trump was underestimating the security guarantees, noting that the U.S. president was “extremely committed to ending the war and achieving a lasting solution,” which would also be essential to “demonstrate his influence.”
“This was also very important for [Volodymyr] Zelensky. Not being alone,” he remarked, referring to Europe’s support.
Regarding the topic, Paulo Rangel suggested that a more “complex” negotiation phase was approaching, which could take “more time.”
And the “war” at home?
In the interview with SIC Notícias, the Foreign Affairs Minister was also questioned about the criticism of the government’s handling of firefighting efforts, the ‘Festa do Pontal’ during fire season, and the announcement of the Formula 1 event in the Algarve.
“Portuguese people are entitled to a month of vacation. The Prime Minister interrupted his vacation on the fourth day. He had four days of vacation. What is important is fighting the fires. I see people commenting on things that shock me. The Prime Minister renounced his vacation on the fourth day. He spoke to the media. Does anyone think a Prime Minister or a minister is truly on vacation? People are constantly working,” he said.
Rangel refuted that the holding of the ‘Festa do Pontal’ was a “sign” and argued that the government was supporting firefighters. “There was an expectation of a different outcome with the fires. It was not possible, and the Prime Minister immediately ended his vacation. He was in command from vacation,” he noted.
It should be recalled that the criticisms arose days after Prime Minister Luís Montenegro remarked that Portugal was “in the midst of war” and that now was not the time for debate, and during the weekend, the Minister of Internal Administration, Maria Lúcia Amaral, left a press conference.
At the Social Democratic Party’s ‘rentrée’ in the Algarve, Montenegro said it was necessary to save “people, heritage, and the country.” Days later, the first death related to the fires was announced, and today, thousands of firefighters are still battling the flames, the European mechanism was activated, and a fire even ‘crossed’ the border into Portugal.
