BE concerned about the impact of far-right speech on society

The head of the BE list for the European elections said on Tuesday that the far right’s “aggressive and intimidating display” in parliament was “nothing new” but admitted she was most concerned about the impact it would have on society.

“Intimidation by the far right is how it is, and I am particularly concerned about the intimidation they are doing to women and minorities everywhere,” said Catarina Martins during a street rally in Senor de Matosinhos, Harbor district.

Asked by reporters about PS MP Isabel Moreira’s complaint of misogynistic and racist abuse from Chega MPs, Katarina Martins, who was also BE’s parliamentary leader, said she was not surprised by the allegations.

Isabel Moreira reported to the Observador about insults such as “cow” aimed at female MPs, said that these comments take place in the corridors or in the plenary session, but with a “closed microphone”, adding that “there is a hellish, edible daily life there.” “persistent offence”.

“When the far right makes an aggressive speech against women in parliament, make no mistake, this is only a small part of their bullying speech. They give this speech every day,” he said.

Asked whether Parliament was an unsafe place for women, the head of the BE list for European women simply replied that Chega MPs “nowhere know how to behave”.

Katarina Martins, however, admitted that what worries her most is the “violent and hate speech” that the far right brings to society.

“I’m concerned that the bullying speech makes women more insecure in their lives, and that’s what worries me,” she said, saying she was equally concerned about the impact of the speech on immigrants and the LGBTI community.

Asked if there had been any abuse in parliament, Katarina Martins said she was concerned about what Chega MPs “do to everyone, not just in parliament.”

“The intimidation of the far right in parliament is nothing new. What is concerning is that this speech is being heard in society at large,” he said, saying there is a need to “confront” this speech.

Regarding the Socialist accusations, Chega leader André Ventura said today that his parliamentary group is the “most attacked” and said that he had already welcomed Isabel Moreira “several times” and had received no response.

Ventura also called on the socialist to provide evidence of such behavior.

“The atmosphere in parliament is an expression of what the Portuguese wanted, this is the rage of the Portuguese against the system,” he said, warning: “Get used to it because these tensions will continue to exist.”