Latest news and stories about social cohesion in Portugal for expats and residents.
I am not on the left like, probably, the vast majority who walk down the Avenue. Beyond the essentials, we may not believe in the same things or with the same intensity. Perhaps, being on the left, that vast majority believes, by definition, more in the future than I do. Perhaps they think better of human nature than I do. And yet, we could be broad-minded enough that we would all fit on the Avenue.
CNN Portugal commentator Helena Ferro de Gouveia analyses the social, political and geopolitical moment in which last night's incident occurred and argues that the radicalisation and proliferation of hate speech 'cannot be normalised'.
Defending identity does not necessarily imply the rejection of others, but it presupposes the existence of clear references and an active historical consciousness.
The Annual Internal Security Report (RASI) shows a 6.7% increase in hate crime reports in Portugal. Researcher Pedro Liberado suggests this rise may stem from increased visibility and awareness rather than just more hate in society. Social media algorithms, the normalisation of exclusionary discourse, and the radicalisation of minors are identified as key factors, highlighting the urgent need for digital literacy and preventative measures.
It is not difficult to understand that one of the biggest problems we face, as a country and as a community, is xenophobia and racism against so many who have more in common with us than they have differences. A column by Henrique França.
Reflecting on Aristotle's Athenian Constitutions reveals that the balance between institutional mediation, the application of laws, and common sense is essential for safeguarding a community. The text argues that understanding history and preserving heritage are vital, warning against the ignorance of the past. Citing the American Constitution and Alexander Hamilton, it highlights the dangers of demagoguery and the importance of the rule of law over the arbitrary rule of men. It discusses the evolution of Athenian institutions and the need for gradual, consensual reform. The author agrees with the President of the Republic that social cohesion and tolerance are necessary for a Constitution to endure, advocating for a 'material Constitution' that acts as a living reality rather than a rigid system. Ultimately, it calls for rational, informed debate on constitutional reform, noting that the Portuguese public views the Constitution as a factor of unity rather than division.
The city-countryside dichotomy is an old one. However, the problem begins when this political disconnection effectively feeds extremist political movements, leading to electoral results. A column by António Félix.
A section of a newspaper or publication where readers' letters are published.
The Constitution does not serve a political project, but rather a common one: the country we share
Colonel Francisco Rodrigues, president of OSCOT, and João Ferreira Dias, an expert in cultural wars, analyse the current situation of the conflict in the Middle East.
The author reflects on the recent attack on the March for Life in Portugal, arguing that the incident represents a dangerous erosion of democratic values. The text asserts that democracy is fundamentally a pact of coexistence that allows people with different beliefs to live in peace, and warns that tolerating violence against those with opposing views threatens the stability of Portuguese society, which was built on the foundations of the April revolution.
Democracy is not meant to manage consensus around certain values, but to prevent aggressive dissent from escalating into violence. Opinion piece by João Miguel Tavares
The author reflects on the explosion of a device during the March for Life, condemning the act of violence against a crowd that included children and babies. The text draws a parallel between the perpetrator and neo-fascist movements, arguing that both are fueled by hatred, radicalism, and violence. It emphasizes that democratic debate should be based on the exchange of arguments and respect, and calls for regulatory powers to protect society from such acts of infamy.
Alongside the direct legitimation of left-wing violence, we find an indirect form of legitimation: silence, failing to highlight acts of violence committed by the left at the exact historical moment when a slight shift to the right is viewed as a threat.
The UN Secretary-General said he is “deeply concerned” about the spread of racism and xenophobia and warned that subliminal messages quickly turn into open hatred.
There is news that informs, news that makes us smile, news that bothers us, and then there is news like this, which touches on dignity and the most basic principles of equal opportunity, which discriminates for social reasons, and which reminds us of the path we still have to travel to allow the social elevator...
These attacks produce fear far beyond the location and the moment. A temple is not just a building, as it is also routine, belonging, and normality.
Adding cultures together is not about erasing differences; it is about transforming them into a common ground. Integrating means taking responsibility for the space one occupies. Opinion piece by Sérgio Ignácio.
There is an urgent need to strengthen policies that ensure territorial competitiveness and social cohesion across the country, particularly to stimulate the creation of skilled jobs throughout the territory. Opinion by Glória Rebelo
The National Commission for Justice and Peace calls for a “serious and committed engagement with democratic values” and says it is “imperative to maintain a critical spirit and reject policies that undermine social bonds and create injustices”.
The President of the European Council recalled the “six million Jews and countless other people murdered” by the Nazi German regime.
We've reached the point where a party is conflated with a postcode, and we no longer have political opponents but existential threats. The 'other' is no longer merely someone who thinks differently, but someone who should not exist.
The article discusses key developments and research related to integration in Portugal, focusing on the country's efforts to enhance the integration of migrants and refugees. It highlights various initiatives and policies aimed at promoting social cohesion, economic participation, and cultural integration. The article also emphasizes the importance of research in understanding the challenges and opportunities associated with migration in Portugal. Overall, it provides an overview of the ongoing integration efforts and the role of research in shaping effective policies in the context of migration and home affairs in Portugal.
Experts warn that the growing acceptance of exclusionary language and rhetoric targeting minorities or outsiders will influence extremist movements’ development, recruitment and visibility in the coming five to ten years.
Isaltino Morais argues that Oeiras’s social cohesion policies, community networks and local support structures were responsible for André Ventura achieving a worse electoral result in the municipality.
Jorge Silva Carvalho, an expert in Information and Defence Affairs, analyses the rise of radicalisation at increasingly younger ages.
The presidential candidate argues that inland areas must not be left without newspaper distribution and says 'a newspaper in a barber's, in a café, is an element of socialising' and 'combats loneliness'.
Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa urged citizens to prioritise health, demonstrate tolerance and preserve social cohesion.
At 9pm, the President urged the nation to prioritise public health, show more tolerance and reinforce a shared sense of national unity.
