In remarks to Lusa, candidate Jorge Pinto highlighted access to Portuguese language education as “fundamental to maintain a connection with the country” and emphasized that “the Portuguese State has the responsibility to ensure access to Portuguese education for all children of emigrants, regardless of where they live.”
Jorge Pinto noted that many young Portuguese and Lusodescendants abroad face significant challenges in accessing Portuguese language education, which can compromise their identity and integration in Portugal should they decide to return.
The candidate described it as “unacceptable” that “so many Portuguese children and young people abroad do not have access to Portuguese education, making it difficult for them to connect with Portugal and integrate into the country.”
Considering Portuguese language education a priority, he stated the need to “ensure that the children of emigrants can learn Portuguese, whether in schools or through educational programs at cultural centers or associations.”
According to Pinto, “access to the language should not be an exception, but a reality for everyone.”
Jorge Pinto advocated for the creation of an economic model that provides better living and working conditions in Portugal so that those who were once emigrants do not feel compelled to leave the country again.
“[It is necessary] to create an environment in Portugal that allows emigrants to return with the certainty that they will find good living and working conditions,” he said, adding, “no one should feel forced to emigrate again due to a lack of opportunities in their own country.”
The candidate further emphasized that the Portuguese diaspora should be viewed as “an extension of Portugal,” not as a distant community but as an active part in building a fairer and more prosperous future for the country, because “Portugal is a global country, and its borders do not end at the national territory.”
For Jorge Pinto, it is essential to “strengthen connections with overseas communities and give them the value they deserve.”
After his visit to France, Jorge Pinto travels to Brussels, Belgium, on Sunday.
As of 2023 estimates, there are more than 1.7 million Portuguese and Lusodescendants in France, and about 577,000 people born in Portugal live in the country. Voters residing in France represent about 25% of Portuguese voters abroad.
The presidential elections are scheduled for January 18, 2026.
This is the 12th time (including the two rounds of the 1986 elections) since 1976 that the Portuguese have been called to choose the President of the Republic in a democracy.
In addition to Jorge Pinto (Livre), other candidates have announced their candidacies, including Henrique Gouveia e Melo, António Filipe (PCP), António José Seguro (PS), André Ventura (Chega), Catarina Martins (BE), João Cotrim Figueiredo (Iniciativa Liberal), and Luís Marques Mendes (PSD).
