The President of the Assembly of the Republic on Thursday called on young people to be inspired by the legacy of Nelson Mandela, saying it was vital that future leaders reject hatred, respect differences and build bridges.
In the Senate Chamber of the Assembly of the Republic, the Nelson Mandela International Day ceremony opened with music and about two hundred people, especially young people, sang birthday greetings to José Pedro Aguiar-Branco.
José Pedro Aguiar-Branco thanked him and said that it was a great honour for him to be President of the Assembly of the Republic in the year that celebrates half a century of democracy in Portugal.
He then made a short statement in which he advised those present to read the biography of the historic South African leader, “a very inspiring book to devour” and in which “his example of courage, his fight for justice, peace and equality is reflected.”
In the final part of his speech, he addressed young people, stressing that Portugal needs young people to be ready to become the leaders of tomorrow, the Mandelas of tomorrow.”
“Portugal needs young people with new ideas, a creative spirit, but also with the humility to listen to their elders. Portugal needs young people with courage, the strength to defend their principles, and bridge builders who can speak to those who think differently. I would like you to also take one thing for granted: that the President of the Assembly of the Republic is counting on you,” he said.
Referring to the life of the former South African president, which played a major role in the fight against apartheid, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco described Nelson Mandela as “a great man and a great leader who left his mark on the history of his country and the world.”
“First, he denounced an unjust and oppressive system with great firmness of principle and boundless courage. He did not hesitate. He did not hide. Then he forgave. He reached out to those who were different from him. He dared to build bridges. In a world where I knew only the language of mistrust and struggle, Nelson Mandela taught us another language: the language of hope, forgiveness and concern for the common good,” he emphasized.
The President of the Assembly of the Republic also stressed that Nelson Mandela “led in a new way”.
“He showed us that even when we are right, instead of crushing the enemy, we can win him over to our side, cooperate, persuade him to build a common project together, for the benefit of all. This is the great lesson of Nelson Mandela: the most ambitious and lasting undertakings are not built on hatred, malice or a spirit of discord.
Based on this idea, he then built a bridge to the role of the Assembly of the Republic in the democratic life of Portugal.
“We are here today to celebrate a great freedom fighter. And what better place to do that than the Assembly of the Republic, which is the home of freedom? Here, everyone has a voice. Everyone has a place,” he added.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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