In a statement prior to a meeting with the Associação 25 de Abril in Lisbon, António Filipe remarked that those responsible for creating a commission to celebrate November 25 “would like to create a commission to commemorate April 24, but the audacity doesn’t reach that far”.
The presidential candidate, supported by the PCP, argued that the commission in question would not serve “to offer a rigorous, historical analysis of the various dates following April 25, including November 25, but to settle scores with April 25 and its spirit”.
“Hence, I can only lament the creation of this commission,” he stated.
When asked about his stance, should he be President of the Republic, regarding the creation of this commission and the commemoration of this anniversary, António Filipe stated that “the President of the Republic does not need to take a position on it,” as it is a government decision.
“I would not participate, in principle, in those celebrations, depending naturally on their configuration, but democracy is celebrated with April 25, celebrating April 25. (…) I would not replace April 25 with any other date,” he emphasized.
Regarding his meeting with the Associação 25 de Abril, where he was received by Vasco Lourenço, one of the key figures of the April Revolution, António Filipe described it as a visit of “consideration and appreciation”, noting that he has “two heroes” in his life: “the anti-fascist resistors and the April military”.
“And the Associação 25 de Abril represents the April military, who played a decisive role in shaping my life path in democracy, and I claim in my candidacy a commitment to April’s values and a profound identification with April’s values,” he highlighted.
When asked about the refusal of Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas to resign following the Gloria Elevator derailment, António Filipe declined to comment, noting that it is a “local government issue” and “presidential candidates are not running for any municipal position”.
However, the presidential candidate noted that “obviously, in the face of any serious incident, accountability is mandatory”, but refrained from engaging in political debate on the matter.
“I expressed my sorrow for the accident, my solidarity with the families of the deceased, my solidarity with the injured, and hoped there would be a thorough investigation of all responsibilities. Beyond that, I feel I should not comment,” he stated.
On August 28, the government, during a Council of Ministers meeting, approved the creation of a commission to promote and organize the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the November 25, 1975 military operation.
At the time, National Defense Minister Nuno Melo explained in a press conference that the work of this commission would begin in November to properly mark the dates “made possible only by November 25”.
“The state will fulfill its obligation to a date that is fundamental to the consolidation of democracy and freedom in Portugal. We are aware that November 25 restored April 25 to its original purpose,” Nuno Melo stated then.
