Watch: Portuguese President Gushes Over ‘Beacon Of Democratic Light’ Roberta Metsola In Personal Tribute
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola was showered with praise by the President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa as she welcomed him to the European Parliament in Strasbourg .
He spoke with extreme enthusiasm about returning the favour and welcoming the EP President to Portugal in June.
“I would like to to pay a tribute to your wonderful mandate. It has been a wonderful term, a brilliant one. Young, prospective, building the future, keeping in touch with the people. That is what Europe must be about,” said Portugal’s President in his speech.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa is Presidential office in 2016, and though his is a primarily ceremonial position, as the President holds no direct executive power, he has maintained a popular position since being elected with 60.66% of the vote.
“It is so important for Europe not to be a reality that is closed, but on the contrary be one to the world. Understanding the world. And playing the role of a global power. Europe is a global power.”
Rebelo de Sousa was a member of the Social Democratic Party prior to his presidency, but has suspended his membership whilst in the non-partisan ceremonial as Head of State.
“We must build democracy every day, freedom every day, economic and sustainable development every day,” he said as Metsola listened intently from the podium beside him.
Throughout her Presidential career, Metsola has sought to drive democratic processes by promoting the rights of a free press, helping to ensure the maintenance of a steady flow of information required for democracies to function.
“That is what you are doing, President and dear friend. That is why we are truly glad to have you in Portugal in June.”
Metsola has spent the last three days in Strasbourg, at the European Parliament’s Plenary Session.
The EP President will be going to Portugal later this year where she will be received by the Portuguese Parliament, the Prime Minister and the President – as well as being a speaker in the Council of State. This latter honour, according to Rebelo de Sousa, “is very rare”.
In a response to the Portuguese President’s speech, Metsola commended his “efforts in protecting the European values and fighting social exclusion”.
Metsola – the second most influential MEP – has continued to push for the expansion of the European Union’s values throughout her Parliamentary career. European heads of state have been acknowledging this as especially important since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
“In these challenging times we have to stand united against disinformation, populism and nationalism,” said Metsola.
“We cannot give to easy cynicism and indifference – we have to bring people closer to Europe and Europe closer to them,” Metsola turned to the Portuguese Head of State, “something you have been doing so wisely”.
“Very few personalities came from abroad to lecture us about their experiences, being so young and with so much future,” responded the Portuguese Head of State, in closing.
“It is an honour and a unique opportunity for Portugal and the Portuguese.”
Tag someone who should see this story
READ NEXT: 'Who Is They?': Henry Galea Explains Why He Thinks There's Only Two Genders
