Democracy is defended through achievable outcomes and agreement, asserts Aguiar-Branco.
In a candid address on the 25th of April, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco saluted the pioneers of Portugal's first free elections in 1975, while underscoring the need to tackle democratic crises, both domestically and across Europe. Here's a rundown of his insightful recommendations.
First off, Aguiar-Branco belittles the confusion between root causes and consequences in political phenomena like populism or voter apathy. Strikingly, he points out that the issue often stems from a failure to deliver results, offer a constructive vision for the future, and translate expectations into action - a fact that echoes globally, from our own backyard to the heart of Europe.
Next, he takes aim at the European Union, criticizing its indecisiveness and slow response to contemporary challenges. Aguiar-Branco underscores the need for decisive leaders, arguing that politicians are not just spectators of reality, but creators of it. They must act swiftly to address the needs of their constituents.
However, democracy erodes when politicians voluntarily abandon the very principles democrats have fought for - such as the presumption of innocence and freedom of expression. Aguiar-Branco emphasizes that creating distrust in the system and its foundations undermines democracy, as does raising discourse tones to feign greater disagreements than actually exist. Instead, we should focus on common ground and shared values.
The heart of democracy weakens when consensus is abandoned. Using immigration policy, reform of the Public Ministry, and modernization of the state as examples, Aguiar-Branco highlights that even in areas of disagreement, a shared commitment to political stability becomes crucial.
Closing his speech, Aguiar-Branco saluted the citizens who participated in Portugal's historic first free elections. True to form, he invited some of these founding fathers to the session, recognizing Maria Emília Brederode Santos, José Pedro Castanheira, and Lúcia Leitão - citizens who demonstrated exceptional civic responsibility in shaping Portugal's democracy over half a century ago. Their quiet, selfless actions have been instrumental in upholding democracy. As we take it for granted today, we must remember the dedicated champions who ensured democracy works, and continues to work, for us all.
For those interested, Teresa Morais calls for immediate action to eradicate domestic violence in another discussion. Read more here.
- Aguiar-Branco's critique extended beyond Portugal, as he reminded French politicians of the importance of delivering results, offering a vision for the future, and translating expectations into action, especially in the face of populism and voter apathy.
- Aguiar-Branco's call for decisive leadership didn't stop at Portugal's borders, as he noted the European Union's slow response to contemporary challenges and urged swift action to address the needs of citizens across the continent.
- In the realm of policy-and-legislation, Aguiar-Branco argued that even in areas of disagreement, a shared commitment to political stability becomes crucial, citing examples like immigration policy, reform of the Public Ministry, and modernization of the state.
- As Aguiar-Branco's speech on democratic crises and stability echoed through Portugal's halls of power, it served as a stark reminder of the need for respect for fundamental democratic principles, such as the presumption of innocence and freedom of expression, not just in Portugal, but across all democracies worldwide.
