The Municipal Assembly of Tomar marked the fiftieth anniversary of the 25th of April with a solemn session, at the Municipal Library of Tomar, marked by the intervention of politicians with seats in that body, who thanked and praised those who risked their lives for democracy. Hugo Costa (PS) said that he is the first president of the Municipal Assembly of Tomar born in freedom, warning that “democracy and freedom are always under construction and nothing is acquired”. Democratic local power is one of April’s achievements, he said, as well as social advances, improvements in health and education.
Paulo Mendes (BE) also reported on the living conditions of the population during the Estado Novo and the repression against opponents of the regime that culminated in imprisonment, torture and, sometimes, death. The spokesperson for the Bloco de Esquerda warned of the dangers of authoritarianism and emphasized the importance of evaluating the value of the 25th of April in times of crisis and discontent, referring to the increase in the number of Portuguese people who decide not to vote. “A deep reflection is required from all political parties, but above all from those who have governed the country”, he stated.
The PSD, in the voice of João Tenreiro, directed its speech to the politicians. “With freedom came the obligation to tell the truth and not lie in the electoral campaign, to speak the truth in the management and pursuit of the public interest and in the promises to citizens who demand the truth from us”, he said. He highlighted problematic areas in the country such as Justice, Health, Housing and the Armed Forces, encouraging the active participation of citizens in politics to improve the country.
Francisco Tavares (CDS) focused his speech on the present, the future and freedom, which has to be cared for and maintained daily so that it is not lost. He spoke of the “strange times” we live in when politicians themselves contribute to the division of society. He spoke about women’s rights, he said that having a job is not only a guarantee of not living in poverty and of the most qualified generation ever emigrating abroad in search of better conditions. He also advised that young people should not remain silent, nor stop fighting for freedoms and rights, as well as fighting for a good life.
“The rapid political and social change that followed the Carnation Revolution brought with it instability and uncertainty”, stated Chega representative, Américo Costa, highlighting the 25th of November 1975 as a crucial moment in the consolidation of democracy in Portugal. He also referred to the need to protect and preserve the fundamental principles of democracy.
Luísa Ruela (CDU) recalled some victories from April that last, such as maternity and paternity rights, education and health. As well as the implementation of the minimum wage, paid holidays and women’s rights. Américo Pereira (InN) approached the day of the Carnation Revolution as a historical milestone, which is not limited to the overthrow of the dictatorship but also to the challenges faced after the coup, remembering the fatal victims that occurred after the 25th of April, and the inequalities that still persist. Susana Faria (PS) warned of the threats to democracy in a society that, for the most part, was born in freedom. “No matter how imperfect our democracy may be, between an imperfect democracy or a perfect dictatorship, I will always prefer democracy,” she stressed.
The first mayor of Tomar born after the revolution, Hugo Cristóvão (PS), was the last to speak. “Today we have a better country and the Portuguese are better and the first proof is that even those who think not, can say so freely”, he stressed. The mayor acknowledged that there are still challenges to face, such as the issue of housing and wealth distribution, encouraging everyone’s participation to improve.
On the sidelines/opinion
Restless youth
The certainty that age does not count came from the voice of Luísa Ruela, from the CDU, who stood out among politicians from the various parties for the assertiveness and confidence she demonstrated when speaking. In her early 20s, she criticized the right-wing policies of the PS, PSD and CDS governments. The young woman did not hold back in condemning the capitalist system in which we live, listing problems in higher education, the growing inequality between classes and the low wages of employees in large commercial areas that achieve record profits. The attempts at whitewashing and the promotion of fascism in recent times were not forgotten in the young woman’s speech, which impressed many adults present in the audience.
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