President Seguro lauded on Portugal Day walkabout in streets of Angra do Heroísmo

The Azores’ island of Terceira – by chance the home of Lajes Air Base, which has been so much in the news recently – is today basking in Portugal Day commemorations, in the presence of President of the Republic, António José Seguro.

The weather is perfect – and people have come out in droves to congratulate the country’s relatively new head of state on this special day, which is also one that celebrates legendary poet Luís Camões, and the Portuguese Communities that live abroad.

One local shopkeeper came out to welcome President Seguro to her hometown, saying: “Thank you so much for being in charge of our country, because you are a person, in quotes, like God. A man of the people, barefoot, and that is what we need in our country.”

It was perhaps an odd turn of phrase, but received warmly with the response that “I am just a simple Portuguese, like you are…”

Another Angra do Heroísmo resident said he hoped he would live through the president’s next 10 years (suggesting at a two-term mandate), to which the president replied. “For now, it’s just five …” In other words, keeping everyone guessing as to his long-term intentions.

By coincidence (perhaps) former president of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, (who did just the same when he was president) was in a street nearby, on a similar ‘walkabout’. “The men’s paths did not cross”, remarks Lusa.

The mood, however, was upbeat, relaxed and ‘just what anyone would want’ ahead of a special public holiday where the strategic importance of the Azores, and Terceira island particularly, are now coming into increasingly sharp focus.

Regional governor José Manuel Bolieiro has “welcomed” the choice of the region for today’s celebrations, saying the Azores have embraced the opportunity with “enthusiasm and a sense of mission”

The Azores is “a territory of peace, cosmopolitan and connected to the world”, he added.

Celebrations are continuing today, with a military parade, speeches and a lot of political VIPs and former VIPs, including former president Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa who is on the island to attend the celebrations.

Sources: LUSA/ SIC Notícias

Natasha Donn

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.