In recognition of the work done over two years in the fight against corruption, the Tágides Prize – created in 2021, the result of a challenge launched by the All4Integrity Association, has merit, says André Corrêa d’Almeida, President of the association, of, celebrating the individual role for the first time. “One of the usual arguments is that the fight against corruption is a matter for the institutions,” he acknowledges, adding that one of the first effects of this award is to honor those who push for institutional innovation. he argues, it is necessary to “force” civil society to think outside our environment. And the truth, he acknowledges, is that people have a hard time nominating individuals who actively contribute to reducing corruption. besides media figures, people have no mechanisms by which they can be aware of individual figures.
The price is still recent – it is only in its second edition – but the effect is already starting to be felt. The proof is that the number of nominees has increased. Nevertheless, it is “necessary to involve civil society and other actors even more in the nomination process”, emphasizes André Corrêa d’Almeida. Especially because there is a distance to the citizens. The proof, he says, is that Portugal has the lowest level of volunteerism.
“Civil society is essential to these issues,” said Joana Marques Vidal, referring not only to the fight against corruption, but also to the promotion of good practices and a culture of integrity. For the magistrate, “it is in our interest to have more reliable cities and societies”. Vicente Valentim recalled that corruption negatively impacts society and democracy and can reduce economic growth and increase abstinence. Along the same lines, Mário Parra da Silva stated, somewhat regretfully, that the word “rule oneself” is associated with anything but good practice. And he added that to change this scenario, we need to start creating a new culture in schools – of integrity.
The award ceremony took place last Friday at the Fundação Oriente Auditorium. From a total of more than 100 nominees, 45 names were selected, of which 19 were finalists. A jury of 35 members (7 per category) had the arduous task of choosing a winner. The jury members include names such as Mário Parra da Silva, Isabel Horta Correia, Maria Leonor Sopas, Vicente Valentim, Sara do Ó, Vanda de Jesus, José Vera Jardim, Álvaro Santos Pereira, Manuela Ferreira Leite, Maria José Morgado, Alexandra, among others Borges, Joana Marques Vidal and Isabel Jonet.
There were two novelties in this year’s edition. On the one hand, the category Local Initiative was created, which aims to analyze the work with the municipalities and which had Helena Roseta as the first winner. The former deputy stated that “what we have to do, if we are on the side of power, has to be transparent” because “if we are transparent in the procedures, the scrutiny can be done by the citizens”.
Another surprise was the fact that the Entrepreneurial Initiative category exceptionally chose not to award a prize. As stated by Mário Parra da Silva, the judge for that category, “despite the high regard for all candidates”, there was no name that stood out. So they chose to leave the category empty and wait for new nominations for next year’s edition.
Luís Rosa, winner of the Civil Society Project category, took the opportunity to praise the importance of journalism, “which plays a fundamental role in democracy”. Statements supported by journalist José António Cerejo, winner of the research project, who regrets that journalists do not have all the resources they need to continue their research.
At the youth initiative, Eduardo Figueiredo took the stage to point out the importance of giving a voice (and listening) to young people, given the impact that corruption (and this award) has on this segment of the population, pointing out that societal midfield often ends up being underestimated in its strength and power. João Cravinho, for his part, was recognized for his role in the Political Initiative category, with the former minister stating that it is an “encouragement to continue”.
Source: DN
