During a session at the Lisbon Book Fair, where he launched his new book ‘Hipocritões e Olhigarcas’ alongside comedian Ricardo Araújo Pereira, Rui Tavares expressed that Portugal’s recent political instability—where no government has completed a full term since 2019—has advantaged parties proposing platforms based on public resentment.
“I believe there is a dialogue to be had, hopefully now, with some political stability in our country, which should also involve other sectors of society [to combat this phenomenon]. What passes through the media should not be excluded from this dialogue,” he advocated.
Tavares noted that the Livre party saw growth in the legislative elections on May 18, being dubbed a winner by the media. “But the truth is, after the elections, there was hardly a comprehensive interview given by any Livre leader.”
“We see the far-right, which proportionally grows less than Livre itself, yet is constantly in the media. I refuse to believe that this subject cannot be discussed or that it’s an uncomfortable topic because media editors and TV directors are, in some way, involved in this debate,” he stated.
On the contrary, he continued, the far-right attacks the press and journalists daily and is daily rewarded, even when it had only a single deputy.
“Isn’t it worth reflecting on this?” he asked, adding that he poses the question “in a non-aggressive way” that does not “diminish the work the press does.”
“But, for goodness’ sake, when a party deemed the winner of the elections then goes unheard, its initiatives uncaptured, with no interviews conducted with its leaders… Basically, we are benefiting those who eventually aim to destroy our regime,” he argued.
Rui Tavares suggested, “The first thing everyone should do, the President of the Republic, other political parties, the media, society in general, is firstly not help the far-right.”
“And it has been so aided in recent years,” he lamented.
After advocating during his book presentation that the best way to combat the far-right is by “capturing attention,” Tavares was asked how he intends to do so, considering he perceives imbalances in media coverage of political affairs.
The Livre leader responded that his party seeks to capture attention “person by person,” with proposals that are “very concrete, which spark imagination and enthusiasm” and aim to be universal, without exclusion.
“That is what the left must do to capture people’s attention and, indeed, if the playing field is not favorable, well, we must create our own playing field,” he considered.
Reflecting on the speeches made during the June 10 celebrations in Lagos, delivered by the President of the Republic and writer Lídia Jorge, Tavares highlighted the idea that Portugal is built “through solidarity, mutual assistance, and what makes Portugal a better Portugal.”
“Against those who wish Portugal to be built on division and hatred, stirring rancor and resentment, which sometimes are the worst we possess and, above all, do not advance us,” he said.
