Welcome to the Official page of the Presidency of the Portuguese Republic

The fight against poverty and social exclusion is of decisive importance in the construction of a Europe which is fairer and needs greater solidarity. The recent world economic crisis again placed, with greater intensity and more urgently, the issue of poverty in the political agenda of States and international institutions.

Unemployment and the new situations of poverty and exclusion are realities which must be faced by the Union’s responsible politicians and economic agents, in close connection with the civil society.

Since the beginning of my mandate as President of the Republic, I have chosen social inclusion as a priority. In a modern society and in a democratic regime born out of ideals of justice and freedom, the persistence of intolerable situations of poverty and social exclusion is something which we cannot accept. We have to unite our efforts in order that Portugal becomes a Country with greater solidarity and more inclusive.

In this context I launched the initiative of the “Routes to Inclusion”. Throughout the whole Country I found instances of good practices which must be taken as a model and a stimulus. From North to South I joined youths who dedicate themselves to voluntary work, non-governmental organizations that fight for a greater social justice, and public and private institutions which are pledged to a fight which is everybody’s.

I am conscious that there is still a long way to go. I know that the fight for social justice and equal opportunities cannot be won in a day, or even over several years. It is a permanent effort, a task which is never finished.

But the ideal on behalf of which we fight is not utopian for this reason. It is not unreal to believe that Portugal is able to create more wealth and can distribute it more equitably, transparently and evenly balanced.

Apart from the obliteration of situations which are extreme and more evident of material privation, it is necessary to favour inclusion. This presupposes that people under these circumstances are given the opportunity to actively contribute towards a better Portugal.

Fighting exclusion is combating for equality, but equally, and above all, combating for dignity. It is urgent to break off links of dependency which do not dignify the less favoured. It is fundamental that these are able to conquer their autonomy and to assume their responsibilities as citizens in their full rights.

The choice of 2010 as the European Year for Combating Poverty and Exclusion by the European Union was very timely. In a year when we are commemorating the centenary of the establishment of the Republic this is a deserving fight. A fight carried out in the name of us all, as free men and responsible citizens of an inclusive Portugal and a Europe of solidarity.