Despite several governments resigning in recent months, Portugal is and remains a country with political stability in the European context. The guarantee was issued this Wednesday by the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, during a joint press conference with Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament.
After a closed-door bilateral meeting (discussing topics such as the war in Ukraine “or threats to democracy”) with the President of the European Parliament, in Strasbourg (where she is on an official visit), the head of state recalled that seven years ago – a few days after being elected for the first time – he gave a speech in the community hall and that it was about reaffirming that “Portugal has always been, pro-European”. This at a time when “two parties critical of the European Union and European values” (BE and PCP) were part of a coalition agreement in Portugal (the so-called ‘thingy’).
“There was no, there is no and there will be no doubt in the future” that Portugal is a stable and pro-European country regardless of leadership: “Seven years and a few months [depois de ser eleito] it was about reiterating the obvious, which was pro-European, regardless of president or prime minister.”
Regarding the date of the next European elections (scheduled for June 9, 2024), Roberta Metsola acknowledged that Portugal has struggled to change the date – as it is a holiday night – but that unanimity is needed to change it. However, if this is not possible, the option is to “invoke votes” and recall the importance of the election act.
Source: DN
