The official visit of Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa to Germany commenced with some unexpected controversy due to a remark by Chega leader André Ventura, who accused the head of state of attending a “burger festival at the expense of Portuguese taxpayers.” However, the event referred to was the Bürgerfest (Citizens’ Festival), where Portugal was the guest country. Although he did not eat hamburgers, Marcelo indulged in Berliners.
“The President of the Republic began his official visit to Germany, having been received at Bellevue Palace in Berlin by the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier. The official welcome ceremony included a military honor guard, featuring the national anthems of both countries and a review of the Honor Guard. After this, the two heads of state met privately and then in an extended format with their respective delegations,” stated a communication released on Friday by the Portuguese Presidency.
The note detailed that Marcelo dined at the Portuguese restaurant ‘A Telha’ and was later received again by the German counterpart for the official opening of the Bürgerfest.
After the opening speeches, the heads of state toured the festival, first visiting stands of German NGOs and then the Portuguese section, where they watched a performance by the folk group ‘Impulso de Berlim’.
“Later, the President of the Republic attended a panel discussion on the theme ‘The Day of Honor – How It Strengthens What Unites Us’, featuring President Steinmeier, and ended the day with concerts by the German band The Boss Hoss and the Portuguese band Black Mamba,” it added.
“Peace is not everything but, without peace, everything is nothing”
Speaking in both Portuguese and German, Marcelo emphasized that Germany and Portugal “are strong allies in the European Union, NATO, and the United Nations, and important economic partners,” and that they are “always together with Ukraine.”
“We must continue to be guided by the words of the Nobel Peace Prize winner [1971], Willy Brandt: peace is not everything but, without peace, everything is nothing,” he said.
The President highlighted the importance of bilateral relations between Portugal and Germany, particularly concerning the impact of German tourists on the Portuguese economy.
“If you wish to visit our country, Turismo de Portugal can help you decide where to go: north, south, coast, mountains, or the stunning islands of Madeira and the Azores,” he encouraged.
During the visit to the Bürgerfest, Marcelo took selfies, stopped at booths such as Turismo de Portugal or Lisbon Aquarium, and at the Portuguese Federation stand, which displayed the Nations League trophy won by Portugal in June. He presented Steinmeier with a national team jersey featuring his name and the number 7, signed by Cristiano Ronaldo.
Along the way, a Portuguese citizen asked if he had eaten hamburgers, but Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa seemed not to hear. However, he did eat Berliners.
The Hamburger Controversy and “over 1,550 trips”
It is noted that Chega opposed Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa’s trip to Germany, with André Ventura accusing the head of state of attending a “burger festival at taxpayers’ expense.”
In a now-deleted Instagram video, André Ventura held a document, referring to the Bürgerfest as “a burger festival.” When questioned, he claimed it was an “error,” asserting that the head of state is “a master in absolutely unnecessary trips at taxpayers’ expense.”
“This President of the Republic has made over 1,550 trips at taxpayers’ expense. He has taken five more trips than the last Presidents of the Republic, namely Cavaco Silva. It’s a theft of our taxes,” he charged.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa countered that he had not made over 1,500 trips as President, clarifying that, according to his calculations, “it’s around 200.” He acknowledged having made fewer trips, “if he could choose.”
The Presidency clarified that since taking office in 2016, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa “has made 165 foreign trips, including this one [on Friday] and until Saturday in Berlin.”
See the images in the gallery above.
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