On October 5, 2026, Portuguese President António José Seguro delivered a speech during the solemn ceremony commemorating the 116th anniversary of the Implantation of the Republic. In his address, he expressed deep emotion, recalling his own experiences of raising the national flag and singing the Portuguese anthem. The President highlighted the significance of this day, which represents the values of freedom, equality, and responsibility that unite the Portuguese people.
President Seguro emphasized that the Republic is not just an institution, but a concept that is built through the daily lives of citizens. He stated that it is essential to celebrate the achievements of past generations, which have contributed to Portugal's progress, including the universalization of education, the creation of a national health service, and the establishment of social protection policies. These accomplishments, he noted, have significantly improved the living conditions of the majority of the Portuguese people.
The President acknowledged that there is still much work to be done to ensure that Portugal is a country where no one is left behind. He stressed the need for a new political culture, based on inter-party agreements and a focus on resolving concrete problems. This, he believes, can be achieved through a long-term vision for Portugal, which prioritizes the needs of its citizens. President Seguro called for an end to the culture of confrontation and instead advocated for a culture of compromise and cooperation.
In his speech, President Seguro highlighted the importance of adapting to the changing world and addressing the challenges it presents. He emphasized that traditional solutions are no longer sufficient to resolve current problems and that a new approach is needed. This involves going to the root of the problems, rather than just treating their symptoms, and finding innovative solutions that can generate solid and lasting results.
The President also emphasized the need for a transition to a new society, marked by the arrival of artificial intelligence, which should be fair and beneficial to all. He called for new behaviors from political actors, including a willingness to abandon entrenched positions and converge on compromise solutions that can resist electoral cycles. President Seguro stressed that policies should be evaluated based on their results, rather than the color of the government that created them.
President Seguro praised the Government and the Socialist Party for their efforts to approve the State Budget for next year. He expressed hope that other parties would join this path of compromise and convergence, both in this and other legislative processes. The President reiterated that serving Portugal is not limited to being in government, but also involves being in opposition, and that Portugal needs more understanding between political and social forces.
In conclusion, President António José Seguro's speech emphasized the importance of the Republic and its values, as well as the need for a new political culture and a long-term vision for Portugal. He called for cooperation, compromise, and a focus on resolving concrete problems, in order to build a better future for all Portuguese citizens. The President's words reflect the hopes and aspirations of a nation that seeks to continue progressing and improving the lives of its citizens.
Key points
- President António José Seguro emphasizes the importance of freedom, equality, and responsibility in his commemoration of the 116th anniversary of the Implantation of the Republic.
- The President calls for a new political culture, based on inter-party agreements and a focus on resolving concrete problems.
- President Seguro highlights the need for a transition to a new society, marked by the arrival of artificial intelligence, which should be fair and beneficial to all.
