The President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, congratulated President-elect Donald Trump and wished him success in “affirming the transatlantic relationship, democracy, human rights, and building sustainable peace and progress.”
In a note on the Presidency’s website, Rebelo de Sousa highlighted Portugal’s early recognition of United States independence as the first neutral country to do so, the significance of the Portuguese community in the country, and the collaboration during Trump’s first term, including a White House meeting in 2018 and cooperation during the pandemic.
Recalling the long relationship between the two countries, Rebelo de Sousa called for strengthening cooperation with the United States. He emphasized the sovereignty of the American people, stating that “what matters now is the future and working together.”
President Rebelo de Sousa, who had previously remarked that Trump’s victory might not favor Europe, also stated, “The American people are sovereign… Now it is time to work together, Portugal and the United States, and Europe and the United States, to achieve the maximum benefits for our people.”
When asked by the press if he planned to return to Washington, where he had met Trump in 2018, Rebelo de Sousa expressed openness but noted it “depends largely on future developments and the availability of both parties.”
Reflecting on the 2018 White House meeting, he described it as a “significant moment” that helped address “three sensitive issues”: the importance of the Azores, the supply of American liquid gas to Portugal, and Portugal’s financial contributions to NATO, stressing the benefits of a “closer relationship between heads of state.”
Several international heads of state have already reacted to Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election, Lula da Silva (Brazil), Giorgia Meloni (Italy), Benjamin Netanyahu (Israel), Volodymyr Zelensky (Ukraine). Emmanuel Macron (France), Olaf Shollz (Germany) Keir Starmer (United Kingdom) among others.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was first elected President of the Portuguese Republic in the first round on January 24, 2016, earning 52% of the votes, replacing Aníbal Cavaco Silva, who served two five-year terms. A former Law professor, journalist, and political TV commentator, he was the leader of the opposition Social Democratic Party (PSD), before serving has head of state with the leader of the Socialist Party (PS) Prime Minister António Costa. Currently he presides as head os state with the leader of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) Prime Minister Luis Montenegro. A career politician, in and out of government since the 1970s, he is a former member of the European Parliament. According to the Constitution, the head of state has limited authority, beyond veto power and dissolving the Parliament.
PAJ/Staff
Source: www.presidencia.pt
