12/ This election revealed two important insights:
1. A functional electoral system is vital for reflecting the will of the people. Without the runoff, we might have faced a very different outcome.
22/ So today, I proudly celebrate the inauguration of António José Seguro, the new President of Portugal.
21/ That’s why today, I don’t just think of myself; I think of the many wonderful immigrants I know or have heard of who are living in Portugal and contributing to the country’s resilience for the future.
20/ Ventura not only targets undocumented immigrants and non-citizens but has also spoken about the potential for retroactively revoking citizenship from those who diligently followed the correct processes to obtain it.
19/ The constitution provides protection, but like many documents, it only matters if those in power choose to adhere to it, as we’re witnessing with Trump’s actions in the U.S. and globally. The lives of countless immigrants would be at serious risk if André Ventura were being inaugurated today.
18/ This presidency means a lot to me personally, as my future in Portugal would have been seriously jeopardized if a president without regard for immigrants, queer individuals, women, racialized persons, and workers had taken office. Someone who disregards basic values outlined in the constitution.
17/ Ultimately, the Portuguese people overwhelmingly rejected the far-right. Given Portugal's deep historical ties to fascism, it brings me great joy that the populace still remembers that past.
16/ There's no need for "strategic voting" or "big tents"; that can be addressed in the second round.
15/ Thanks to a largely functional electoral system, almost all relevant parties could run candidates in the first round, showcasing a diverse array of visions for the country's future, this is healthy for democracy.
14/ Political parties play a crucial role in Portugal's political system, more so than in many other countries.
13/ 2. When given the choice between fascism and centre-left pragmatism for a largely non-ideological role, every single party (except the PSD) made the correct decision in endorsing Seguro.
11/ As you may have seen, the election went to a runoff, culminating in a confrontation between everyone backing Mr. Seguro and the Partido Socialista against the far-right, led by André Ventura and Chega.
10/ That is essentially all I expect from the presidency: basic decency and the ability to act as a proper check on power, regardless of who holds it.
9/ I must acknowledge the former President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who, despite being a member of the centre-right PSD, prioritized Portugal and the constitution over party politics.
8/ The latter resulted in a successful General Strike, while the former prompted the President to use his power to challenge the anti-immigrant legislation in the constitutional court, where it was rightfully deemed unconstitutional and returned to the assembly.
7/ This coalition government has capitulated to the far-right multiple times, collaborating with them to pass draconian anti-immigration and anti-worker legislation.
6/ That is why this past presidential election was so important. Currently, the Assembly of the Republic is led by a centre-right minority coalition (PSD + CDS-PP), with the fascist populist Chega serving as the largest opposition party.
5/ However, due to the history of Portugal's political landscape, this presidential role was established after the fall of the far-right dictator António Oliveira de Salazar, serving as a crucial check on power.
4/ The presidency in Portugal is a mostly ceremonial role, somewhat akin to Canada's Governor General if it were an elected position.
3/ This commitment is vital, especially considering that his fascist opponent, André Ventura from Chega, would have obliterated the constitution if he had been elected.
2/ This inauguration holds great personal meaning for me. I'm not necessarily a supporter of his or his party, as I lean much further to the left. However, he has promised to uphold one essential principle: The Constitution of the Republic.
🧵 Today, António José Seguro was sworn in as the President of Portugal. 🇵🇹
This is a significant day to reflect on the fundamental values we cherish and how crucial it is to protect them in the face of the fascist far-right's attempts to gain political power.
www.presidencia.pt/en-en/news-a...
Yes, we can 😉
bsky.app/profile/gove...
Wonderful words. Happy International Women's Day folks! 🥲
"Trying to get away from it all."
Girl, the world is trying to get away from the orbit of the United States, BECAUSE of voters like you. Nobody gives a shit that you're "trying to enjoy vacation."
When I was living in Lisboa, I chose SL Benfica because it was the historically working-class club, and because I hated Cristiano Ronaldo, who played for Sporting CP.
You aren't going to catch me supporting a rich person's club with "CP" in the name... 💀
If you can't understand Portuguese, your browser can auto-translate the article to English, and it still reads great.
An interesting read on the politics of Lisboa’s football giants. Benfica was historically a working-class club with left-leaning roots, while Sporting came from wealthy, aristocratic circles. The divide is weaker today, though Sporting still skews more right-wing.
open.substack.com/pub/factball...
In another episode of Leopards Ate my Face: “This is not the party I once signed up for and registered to be in.”
Yes it is, Elysia. You are 21, and presumably registered to vote in 2023. The Republican Party has been this way for far longer than that.
www.wsj.com/politics/ele...
This person's replies are off, but there will be a protest against Hootsuite in Vancouver next Friday 3-5 pm.
If you're in Metro Vancouver, show up! We can't have Canadian companies enabling fascism be it down south, or anywhere.
www.instagram.com/p/DT2AodADkl...
