Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa is in Lagos today for his final speech as Portugal’s president, marking Portugal Day. This event, held on June 10, is a time when the president traditionally praises the Portuguese people and emphasizes national unity.
The military ceremony this morning is also being attended by several prominent figures, including writer and state counselor Lídia Jorge, who chairs the event’s organizing committee. Other notable guests include Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, CHEGA party leader André Ventura, and Carlos César, interim president of the Socialist Party (PS). Many other dignitaries are also present.
Lagos was chosen as the location for this final Portugal Day speech, completing a tradition where Marcelo has celebrated the day across various cities throughout his presidency. He has previously celebrated in Lisbon, Porto, Ponta Delgada, Portalegre, Funchal, Braga, Peso da Régua, and even in areas affected by the 2017 fires, such as Pedrógão Grande, Figueiró dos Vinhos, and Castanheira de Pera.
Since taking office in 2016, Marcelo has also celebrated Portugal Day with Portuguese communities abroad, a practice he introduced with then-Prime Minister António Costa and which has continued under the current government of Luís Montenegro.
This year’s Portugal Day comes shortly after the inauguration of the 25th Constitutional Government, the second led by Luís Montenegro following the May 18 snap elections. The right-wing Chega Party became the second-largest force in the new parliament after the Democratic Alliance coalition (PSD/CDS-PP) won without a majority.
In his speech last year, Marcelo emphasized the importance of a more equal future for all regions of the country, free from the tragedies of the past. He expressed hope for a country where no region or citizen feels left behind.
In 2023, during the ceremony in Peso da Régua, Marcelo spoke of his desire for the interior regions of Portugal to be as important as coastal cities like Lisbon and Porto. He called for greater equality and unity, encouraging the Portuguese to continue building bridges, creating wealth, and fostering cohesion.
Marcelo will complete his second and final term as president on March 9, 2026. The next presidential elections, scheduled for January, will determine his successor.
