Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro took to social media on Saturday to congratulate Portuguese canoeist Fernando Pimenta, who claimed his fourth gold medal in the K1 1,000 meters event at the European Sprint Canoe Championships. The message of congratulations, however, became a subject of criticism, particularly from figures in the Socialist Party (PS) and the Left Bloc (BE).
“What a great pride, Fernando Pimenta! Four-time European champion of K1 1000! This is the Lusitanian race, this is Portuguese grit. Bravo!” wrote the Prime Minister in a message shared on the social network X (formerly Twitter).
However, the term “Lusitanian race” did not sit well with everyone, and the first to express dissatisfaction was Left Bloc leader Joana Mortágua.
“Lusitanian race? So you mean a pure-blooded Portuguese, right? Luís Montenegro hardly hides his desire to take someone else’s place. He’s almost on his lap,” accused the former deputy, referring to André Ventura, president of Chega, in a post on the same social network.
Raça lusitana? Diria que é um português de sangue puro, portanto? @LMontenegro_PT já nem esconde que quer tirar o lugar ao outro. Está-lhe quase no colo. https://t.co/3DtEnVr8Tt
— Joana Mortágua ️️️ (@JoanaMortagua) June 21, 2025
The socialist Isabel Moreira shared the sentiment. “‘Lusitanian race.’ Here is Luís Montenegro doing everything to outdo the other,” she pointed out on X.
“Raça lusitana”. Eis @LMontenegro_PT a dar tudo para superar o outro. https://t.co/alTDtui4EC
— Isabel Moreira (@IsabelLMMoreira) June 21, 2025
Socialist Tiago Barbosa Ribeiro also shared Luís Montenegro’s post on that social network, simply writing “‘Lusitanian race’.”
“Raça lusitana”. https://t.co/owqaleanmK
— Tiago Barbosa Ribeiro (@tbribeiro) June 21, 2025
It is noteworthy that stricter immigration control is a key line of policy for the second government led by Luís Montenegro. Over the years, immigration has been a constant theme in the discourse of the Chega party. Recently, the Nationality Law has been a prominent topic and will be discussed in the upcoming Council of Ministers meeting, scheduled for next Monday.
André Ventura accused Aguiar-Branco of backing down on the nationality law just because Chega presented the project, thus creating a “party blockade.” Meanwhile, the Parliament President clarified that it was a “misunderstanding.” Stay updated on this controversy.
Cátia Carmo | 19:05 – 20/06/2025
In sports news, Fernando Pimenta was the fastest in the European Championships held in Racice, Czech Republic, repeating his feats from 2016, 2017, and 2018.
With a time of 3.25,096 minutes, the canoeist beat Sweden’s Martin Nathell and Hungary’s Balint Kopasz.
The 35-year-old canoeist claimed his ninth medal in the K1 1,000 meters event.
The Portuguese canoeist was the fastest at the European Championships in Racice, Czech Republic, repeating his accomplishments from 2016, 2017, and 2018. Martin Nathell and Balint Kopasz complete the podium.
Lusa | 10:27 – 21/06/2025
