Visiting three hotels in the city of Lisbon, the President of the Republic reacted to threats addressed to ten people, including three members of Parliament. In response to journalists, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa points out that the Constitution and Criminal Law are very “clear” with regard to the fight against racism, even foreseeing the “criminal” character of actions that translate “violation of fundamental principles”.
The head of state stresses that the matter is already being investigated by the Public Prosecutor’s Office, but he took the opportunity to affirm the rule of law principle in an unequivocal refusal of racism.
On the fact that three of those targeted by the threats are deputies in the Assembly of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa considers that the racist actions against deputies are “as damnable” as against any other Portuguese citizen.
–
The President of the Republic also left the call for a firm but sensible fight against this type of behavior. If, on the one hand, there must be “zero tolerance” for acts condemned by the Constitution, with a “firm” affirmation of the principles of democratic rule of law – and even with criminal means, if justified, – Marcelo asks Democrats to respond to these challenges with “intelligence”.
–
In other words, adds the President, “do not do what the person who promotes this type of climbing wants to be done, which is to create an emotional climate of cleavage in Portuguese society”.
“Sensibility means being attentive to the escalations that can be done about sensitive themes in Portuguese society to understand how the instrumentalization (…) of these themes has been, in other countries, a way of radicalizing political life, promoting anti-phenomena systems and undermine democracy ”, he added.
“There is nothing better for those who want to radicalize and create an emotional climate, the instrumentalization of these themes”, concluded the President of the Republic.
Against the reduction of debates
Last Monday, the presidential veto to reduce plenary debates on the process of European integration. The diploma in question, approved by the PS and PSD, reduced these debates from six to two per year. So far, a debate on European issues was planned before each European Council meeting.
Questioned by journalists on this matter, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa argued that the debates in democracy “are never to fill the calendar” and that signal democracy itself at work.
The head of state acknowledged that it would be more comfortable, at times, “not to have so many debates” and that these can be “heavy”, but he warns that “they fulfill an essential function” in democracy.
“When institutions start to close because they think there are too many debates there is something that is not good for democracy”, warned Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
Regarding the amendment to the Rules of Procedure of the Assembly of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa says that this matter is “from the forum” of the Parliament, but he gave his own example: in the case of re-running for the Presidency of the Republic – something he stressed that is not yet decided – promises “debates with all candidates”, as in the 2015 campaign.
Finally, she used the example of Angela Merkel, stressing that the German chanceller goes to Bundestag (German Parliament) before all European Councils to “explain the Government’s position”. In that case “you are on schedule, but you are making democracy”, notes the Portuguese President.
–
Related
