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The 99th anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic is today being celebrated. The commemorative ceremonies are being held this year with a different format, due to the date nearing that in which the elections for the local authorities are taking place.

Similar to what occurred in the past, when local election campaigns were taking place, it was agreed with the Lisbon County Council that the traditional ceremony would not be held in Praça do Município with the presence of the President of the Republic.

However, I did not want to allow this event to go unnoticed, and decided to hold it in the Palace of Belém, which is being kept open to all who wish to visit.

There is anyway an added reason to visit the Palace of Belém during these days: the Museum of the Presidency of the Republic is celebrating its fifth anniversary and several cultural initiatives were launched which may be accessed by the public.

In 2010, the Republic will celebrate its 100th anniversary. A Committee chaired by Dr. Artur Santos Silva, acting under the supervision of the Government is preparing the programme of the celebrations of the centenary of the Republic.

That date must be an occasion to be celebrated but also constitute a time for reflection. Above all it must be a bond that links all the Portuguese. We must stand together encompassing the great Republican ideals. Ideals which demand, from politicians, an increased effort to materialize republican ethics and the transparency of life under public view. Ideals which demand, from the people, a more endeavouring and active civic attitude in the defence of a Republic in which we all belong.

The Republic does not recognize birth rights, because it rewards merit and the wish to achieve a better life. It is a regime of inclusion, which has to offer equal opportunities for personal, family and professional achievement.

In a Republic, artificial barriers between the power and the people cannot exist. The governing bodies must be aware of the reality of the Country. And the people, in turn, are duty bound to take part in civic life, instead of systematically complaining about the State and the politicians.

We have to win over the tendency to complain about all and everything, and of doing little to improve everything that belongs to us all.

This is the Republic which we are celebrating this year and whose century we will commemorate in 2010.

We commemorate a Republic of free and equal citizens who deserve the respect of the governing bodies.

A Republic of people who have definite ambitions and problems. People whose concerns and anxieties must be listened to, especially in more difficult times.

After one hundred years of Republic, it is time we knew what we wish for the future, the path we want to tread.

I salute the Portuguese and appeal that you all feel that Republic is not a word in vain. Portugal is our country, where we live and where our roots lie.

On behalf of Portugal, do whatever is within your reach in order that your children may live in a better Republic, in a more prosperous, fair and equitable Country.