Guilherme d’Oliveira Martins, one of those responsible, defines it as the “fundamental work” of the commemorations of 200 years of constitutionalism in Portugal.
There are four parts in all, ranging from the Constitutional Monarchy to the present day, through the First Republic and the Estado Novo. The book – titled The Portuguese Parliament – was presented on Wednesday at the Passos Manuel library, in the Assembly of the Republic, by Pedro Tavares de Almeida (work coordinator) and António Araújo, in a session also attended by Augusto Santos Silva, President of the Assembly of the Republic.
The intention, explains to the DN Guilherme d’Oliveira Martins, president of the celebration of the bicentenary of constitutionalism in Portugal, was “to mark the 200 years not only with mere superficial aspects”. create a work with the best experts in the field , to explain it in a very rigorous, but also accessible way. Those who consult the work have not only the analysis of the best specialists in the field, but also a pedagogical insight into the way the themes are treated. It is a work that is close to the citizens, so that they can better understand the institutions.”
The series of works, says Guilherme d’Oliveira Martins, has that too the intent of “summarizing, with the best scholars, what was, what is, and what Parliament ought to be”. In retrospect, it is supposed to be “satisfied” with the final result presented yesterday.
Among the authors who contributed to the book, the DN columnist highlights, in addition to the book coordinator (Pedro Tavares de Almeida), the names of Fernando Catroga, João Bonifácio Serra (“who unfortunately left us recently”) or even José Luís Cardoso, the current president of the Academy of Sciences. “We were concerned about scientific pluralism and perspectives on a very important reality: the democratic tradition represented in Parliament,” explains Guilherme d’Oliveira Martins.
In addition to explaining and analyzing Parliament chronologically since the Constitutional Monarchy (which was in force from 1820 to 1910), another aspect is also discussed: the demystification of parliamentary struggles. Guilherme d’Oliveira Martins was PS delegate in seven legislatures (and minister with three different portfolios). He assumes that it is important to “appreciate Parliament”.It is very important even from the point of view of democratic vitality and sustainability. The prestige of Parliament is something absolutely fundamental”, he defends, repeating: “Democracy is a fragile, imperfect flower, because we are all imperfect and democracy represents us.”
Divided into four parts, what is the transversal message of the works? “Liberty is a value that forms a continuity in Portuguese constitutional history from the very beginning,” says Guilherme d’Oliveira Martins of an intervention at the Academy of Sciences on the bicentenary of the 1822 constitution: “It was short-lived, but a long effect, because there was recognition of citizenship.The characteristic that is permanent, permanent in relation to institutions, is the desire for freedom.(…) April 25, 1974 is a foundational date, but there are ancient roots that need to be preserved and deepened”, concludes.
The four books can be purchased separately for € 23.67 (Part I – Old Regime and Constitutional Monarchy); €21.51 (Part II – i Republic); €14.81 (Part III – new state); € 23.18 (IV part – Democracy).
Source: DN
