The President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, addressed the prevailing “wave” of fear during times of crisis on Saturday, highlighting the global influence of Portuguese-speaking nations.
“In times of crisis, it is easy to appeal to fear and concern. Sometimes due to employment, other times due to security, or simply because of aging,” said the head of state at the 40th anniversary celebration of the Union of the Portuguese Language Capitals.
Marcelo spoke about the need to balance the current wave of fear with essential values. “If serious problems, doubts, or forms of intolerance arise that minimize the projection of the Portuguese language and culture, it is complicated,” he noted.
He emphasized the strength of Portuguese people globally, mentioning that while some Portuguese-speaking countries like Brazil have different essential strengths due to their size and regional influence.
Beyond America, he cited Timor-Leste’s influence in Asia and highlighted countries like Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde’s roles as regional powers and as bridges between continents.
“None of these nations can lose their status due to merely circumstantial issues,” he stated.
Marcelo praised the ability to achieve consensus and build bridges between different entities, saying, “We achieve consensuses that nobody else can. We manage to bring together states that do not usually engage in dialogue.”
When queried about upcoming legislation and the priority for Portuguese-speaking countries, Marcelo stated he was unaware of any current legislation but expressed his commitment to this community, considering his background in education in these countries.
He highlighted Portugal’s role as a bridge, particularly in Europe, due to its connections with other continents, a distinction not shared by most European countries. “Throwing such advantages out the window makes no sense,” he said, emphasizing the understanding of Portuguese citizens and political leaders.
During the session, a bust of poet Luís Vaz de Camões by Spanish-descended sculptor Diogo Munoz was unveiled and will be replicated in other Portuguese-speaking capitals. Additionally, a commemorative CTT stamp and the “Portraits of Immigration” photography exhibition by Alfredo Cunha were launched.
In the presence of government officials, including Minister of Cohesion and Economy Manuel Castro Almeida and diplomatic members, Lisbon’s Mayor Carlos Moedas highlighted a significant project that transformed relations with both capital cities and countries, being a precursor to the CPLP.
For the Lisbon mayor, the DNA of the UCCLA truly lies in this equal relationship among Portuguese-speaking cities, paying tribute to Krus Abecasis as a visionary.
The UCCLA’s 40th anniversary coincides with the 50th anniversaries of the independence of various Portuguese-speaking African countries. A special collaboration with Luanda is planned, hosting an international conference on current topics like sustainable cities and climate change.
Besides the celebrations, UCCLA reaffirmed its commitment to development cooperation, presenting ongoing projects in Timor-Leste, Mozambique, Cape Verde, and São Tomé and Príncipe in urban reconstruction, professional training, education, and local administration support.
[News updated at 19:42]
