At the heart of a nation that is proud of its cultural diversity and the richness of its different regions, we still unfortunately find a latent division, a deep-rooted prejudice that is reflected in the words recently spoken by the President of the Republic. When mentioning that the current Prime Minister of Portugal has “rural behavior”, the head of state not only uses an expression that can be interpreted as pejorative, but also feeds a socioeconomic and cultural separation that should have long been outdated.
This statement triggers a series of reflections on how we still perceive the differences between urban and rural areas, especially between Lisbon and other regions of the country. It is necessary to ask: what does the expression “rural behaviors” imply? Why would this characteristic be seen as a demerit or a negative peculiarity in a national leader? Is this a veiled way of insinuating that being from outside Lisbon means being less capable, less refined or less capable of leading?
Coming from Braga, I bring in my being the essence of a Portugal deeply rich in history, culture and values. In every corner of this city, in every street and square, you can live the legacy of centuries that is not confined to the borders of the capital. The North of Portugal, with its tenacity, its willpower and its ability to work, has as much to contribute to national identity as Lisbon or any other region.
The words of Pedro Chagas Freitas, who proudly claims to be rural, resonate with many of us who were not born in the “usual little chapels” of Lisbon. There is a beauty in simplicity and a strength in anonymity. There is dignity in hard work and nobility in not giving in to the ease of a system that often favors cronyism more than merit. Being from Guimarães, Braga or any other place other than the capital does not diminish our ability to contribute to the country; on the contrary, it expands the diversity of perspectives and strengthens democracy.
The President of the Republic’s comment could be interpreted as an attempt to disqualify or even ridicule. But it should serve, instead, as a call to reflection on how we integrate all regions of Portugal in the project of a united and strong nation. It is not acceptable that, in the 21st century, there are still remnants of a geographic elitism that prostrates itself before the capital as if all wisdom and competence resides there.
True wisdom lies in recognizing that every piece of Portugal, from Melgaço to Faro, from Viana do Castelo to Bragança, has something unique and valuable to offer. We need, as a country, to overcome the stigmas of an obsolete centralism that does not do justice to the current reality of a plural and diverse Portugal. Our strength as a democratic and modern nation emerges from our ability to value each citizen, regardless of their geographic origin.
Instead of perpetuating divisions, we must seek unity and mutual recognition. Each region of Portugal, with its own peculiarities and characteristics, contributes in a unique way to the social, economic and cultural fabric of the country. Portugal’s richness lies in its diversity, and it is this diversity that should be celebrated and not belittled.
As a Braga native, as a Portuguese and, above all, as a citizen aware of the challenges we face, I repudiate any attempt to diminish the “rural” or any other group. A true leader recognizes that the value of a country lies in its people, in all of them, in each life story that contributes to the great country that is Portugal. It is time to reject old narratives of division and embrace a vision of the future where everyone, from North to South, has a voice and a place.
