The conflict in Palestine dominated this Saturday’s debate on the Livre’s preliminary program for the European elections, with a motion that defended the condemnation of Hamas for dividing congressmen’s opinions, which was eventually changed.
The proposed amendment was defended by Barbara Tengarrinha, who defended the inclusion of all terrorist attacks, such as those committed by Hamas on October 7, 2023, in the program, believing that they “served to strengthen far-right forces.” “The Orthodox far right and forces hostile to the two-state solution.”
The proposal was eventually amended by its proponent, removing the mention of Hamas after lively debate on the topic.
During the debate, activist Miguel Santos said that if there is anything to condemn today, “it is the genocide committed by Israel,” given that peace will only be achieved when it comes to an end.
“Let’s focus on what’s important. On the condemnation of the State of Israel,” he said, shouting “Palestine will win,” a statement that drew a lengthy ovation from the audience.
Bernardo Mata, another activist, defended the amendment, saying the party should clearly condemn terrorist attacks from wherever they come, remembering that Hamas has caused casualties and continues to do so.
The Livre will meet until Sunday at a congress in the Costa de Caparica, in Almada, Setúbal district, to elect new internal bodies and approve the electoral program for the European elections on June 9.
In its proposed election programme, a 94-page document being discussed this Saturday and the final version of which will be approved on Sunday, the party lists 18 topics for selective consideration in the next European elections, ranging from democracy to international trade.
However, the debate on the document in connection with the amendments centered in the field of foreign policy, with particular emphasis on the question of Palestine, a topic that several times received collective applause in support of a “free Palestine”, but also in the invasion of Ukraine.
In this chapter, Livre defends the recognition of Palestine as an independent state “in accordance with the 1967 borders defined by the United Nations, defending the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination in order to realize the internationally recognized two principles: a state solution – Israel and Palestine – as a necessary condition for peace and security in the region”.
The party also advocates supporting and promoting, together with the EU and the UN, an immediate and final ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the flow of humanitarian aid to the population.
On the other hand, it condemns all actions that go beyond what is provided for by international humanitarian law, including the continuation of the settlement policy, occupation and repressive actions of Israel in the West Bank, and advocates support for all steps taken by international justice to investigate crimes. war and genocide.
After this debate, Rui Tavares took to the pulpit to defend the recognition of the State of Palestine and its integration as an effective member of the United Nations, a matter which, he said, had already been the subject of a draft resolution of his party in the Assembly of the Republic.
The Livre representative also mentioned an amendment to the party’s election program, calling for a vote in favor of it so that “the UN, in addition to having diplomatic representation of its member states, should also have a Parliamentary Assembly that represents all parliaments of the organization.”