Portugal's President Urges Convergence on Solutions, Not Personal Criticism

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has called for a more constructive interpretation of his public statements on Portugal's challenges, urging that his "calls to attention" should not be perceived as direct criticisms of specific individuals or entities. Speaking to reporters in Luxembourg, Seguro emphasized that his pronouncements stem from a desire to address the nation's realities openly, rather than to target any particular party or person. "This does not mean I am criticizing A, B, or C. It simply means there is a problem, and it needs to be solved," he stated.

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This does not mean I am criticizing A, B, or C. It simply means there is a problem, and it needs to be solved.

Seguro elaborated on the issue of Portugal's aging population, describing it as a grave concern that exerts pressure on social security and healthcare systems. He stressed the necessity for "lasting solutions" that extend beyond the typical term of a legislative period. The President drew a parallel with Luxembourg, which he believes operates with a "convergent culture" focused on shared priorities and strategies, contrasting it with what he sees as Portugal's tendency towards divergence. He advocated for a similar approach in Portugal, where national problems are tackled collectively.

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We need to have political maturity that makes us converge on lasting solutions that go beyond the deadlines of a legislature. The country cannot cope with shortened legislatures and cannot cope with permanent political changes.

Earlier, Seguro had characterized the demographic shift as a "ticking time bomb," warning that civil society's solidarity could not substitute for the state's primary responsibility. Addressing a congress in Braga, he asserted that Portugal must improve its response to these challenges and affirmed his commitment to reminding the government of its obligations. He noted that while others might use terms like "social tsunami," the core message remains the same: the dramatic effects of demographic changes require urgent and unified action.

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We need to, in Portugal, face several problems, but in a convergent way and not in a divergent way.