Speaking to journalists, Seguro said he was unhappy with what he had seen, highlighting footage of the protests in Lisbon, which he described as “not normal scenes in a consolidated democracy”, according to Rádio Renascença. He added that he believed the Portuguese public would also have been displeased by the images.

Although he refrained from commenting directly on police actions, Seguro admitted that he did not like what he had seen, arguing that “violence is not part of Portuguese culture”. The President of the Republic said ongoing investigations should be respected, as they are examining not only police conduct but also the actions of protesters who were arrested.

Seguro also said that “the law and freedom are not incompatible” and called for problems to be resolved through dialogue.

Criticism over his silence

The President of the Republic responded to criticism directed at him by saying that he had “remained vigilant”. Seguro stressed that he had been “active and vigilant”, adding that the role of a President of the Republic was not to “add fuel to the fire”. In other words, he said the President should not encourage either side to take action that could escalate tensions.

Expressing concern about the difficulties facing young people, who “cannot achieve independence”, Seguro said he had “appealed to the party and the Government” to find “solutions” to the housing crisis.

He reiterated his concern about the challenges preventing young people from becoming independent and urged the Government to find solutions to the housing crisis. Seguro added that young people are now “a blocked generation”.

Serenade outside Seguro’s home over his silence

Outside António José Seguro’s home in Caldas da Rainha, a choir reportedly serenaded the President of the Republic in protest at his silence over the recent demonstrations.


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