An afternoon gathering in central Lisbon saw maestro António Victorino D’Almeida, a known supporter of the People-Animals-Nature Party (PAN), open his home to Inês de Sousa Real, where he praised the party’s efforts. He emphasized the necessity for someone to care for nature, people, and animals while pointing out that “others are preoccupied with the economy and other concerns.”
Facing Sousa Real in his living room, D’Almeida assured that PAN “can always” rely on his support, despite his general non-involvement in the political scene.
As an early promoter of PAN, as Sousa Real noted, D’Almeida reached out to contribute to the party’s campaign, and his deep sympathy for its causes is evident in his discussions.
In a detailed analysis of PAN’s principles, he argued for the protection of people who might be on the brink of “extinction,” expressed that the neglect of animals is a “disgrace,” and stressed the ultimate power of nature, stating, “No one is significant compared to nature. Not Trump, not Putin, not even the Pope. Nothing can save us from nature.”
D’Almeida also criticized a “crazy world,” recalling a TV program where someone advocated for a return to coal-based energy: “When young people say this, you think ‘poor things, they don’t realize they can die,’ because young people don’t consider mortality, (…) but when old people argue for coal, it’s outrageous.”
Sousa Real expressed gratitude towards the maestro, recognizing him as an inspiration and a cultural icon in Portugal, a sector that PAN commits to prioritizing, albeit it “often goes forgotten.”
While acknowledging the importance of culture, Victorino remarked it’s not as crucial as PAN’s main agendas: “People can choose not to engage with culture, and it won’t be fatal. But it’s unfortunate. I don’t require anyone to listen to music. If they want to, they will. If not, they won’t.”
After a 20-minute discussion, D’Almeida highlighted that “the causes of PAN are not solely political; they transcend that” and affirmed his full commitment to support the party.
“The causes of PAN go beyond mere politics. Regarding these causes, I am wholly dedicated.”
