Former CDS-PP deputy Cecilia Meireles defended Nuno Melo on Monday night during SIC Notícias’ “Linhas Vermelhas,” following criticism over his comments regarding the humanitarian flotilla involving Block of the Left (BE) leader Mariana Mortágua. Melo had dismissed the flotilla as a “propaganda and irresponsible initiative” by “Hamas sympathizers.”
Meireles stated that the Defense Minister is “fully entitled to have an opinion” and considered it “unusual if he thought the Portuguese Navy and the Armada should pursue the flotilla and breach Israel’s blockade.”
“A Defense Minister is expected to have an opinion. Nuno Melo has every right to his view. I would find it very strange if he agreed with those who, under the guise of a humanitarian flotilla, actually conducted a propaganda flotilla,” Meireles emphasized, noting it’s “perfectly legitimate” for people to draw attention to their beliefs, but she does not believe the flotilla constitutes a “humanitarian action.”
“It’s a political action and should be called as such,” she asserted.
The former parliamentarian contended that this topic invites strong ideological divides because it has no significant impact on our lives. “Even those who participated in the flotilla faced minimal consequences as they knew they weren’t going to be harmed by the state of Israel, unlike the hostages held by Hamas,” she observed, highlighting that “this is the worst aspect of ideological divisions.”
Further discussing the Defense Minister’s remarks, Cecilia Meireles stressed that it would have been “unacceptable” if Nuno Melo didn’t have an opinion. “We go back and forth about the flotilla, about what the Government does or doesn’t do. I’ve heard complaints against the Government, and now a Government member can’t speak? That would be unacceptable,” she concluded.
Nuno Melo’s comments about the flotilla have stirred various reactions, with the Left voicing harsh critiques of the Defense Minister.
Marisa Matias, for instance, stated that the CDS-PP leader “lacks the sensitivity to understand his role,” while Rui Tavares from Livre suggested Nuno Melo should be “more attentive” and show more restraint.
