Lisbon – Former Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, just weeks after leaving office, has already offered pointed commentary on global conflicts and domestic policy, sparking debate about his commitment to a self-imposed silence. Speaking at the presentation of the book “Pensar a Constituição à Luz da Doutrina Social da Igreja” at the Catholic University of Lisbon on Wednesday, March 18th, Rebelo de Sousa addressed issues ranging from the ethics of modern warfare to the ongoing debate surrounding euthanasia in Portugal. This marks a notable shift, given his previous statements about stepping back from public life after a decade at the Belém Palace.
The former President’s remarks, reported by Rádio Renascença, centered on what he termed the “immorality” of allowing weapons and the algorithms that control them to operate without human oversight in matters of war and peace. “Immoral is to allow weapons of all kinds, as well as the algorithms that support them, to fire and kill to decide military, cultural, social, behavioral wars and peace, without human control,” he stated, emphasizing the necessity of works like the one presented – authored by the Association of Catholic Jurists – to confront past failures and anticipate future challenges.
A Critique of Automated Warfare
Rebelo de Sousa’s criticism extended beyond traditional weaponry to encompass the growing role of artificial intelligence in conflict. His statement highlights a broader, international concern about the ethical implications of autonomous weapons systems and the potential for unintended consequences. The former President’s intervention adds a significant voice to the ongoing discussion about regulating the development and deployment of these technologies, a debate that is gaining momentum globally as AI capabilities rapidly advance.
Euthanasia and the Shifting Landscape of Rights
Whereas avoiding direct engagement with current political battles, Rebelo de Sousa also touched upon the sensitive issue of euthanasia, a topic currently stalled in the Portuguese parliament. The government has yet to finalize regulations for the law approved during the previous Socialist Party majority, and the former President alluded to the complexities of navigating new rights and responsibilities in a rapidly changing world. He spoke of being “new in time and space, in science, in technique, in the digital age and its legal regulation,” and the need to defend life, health, and communication.
This subtle reference to euthanasia echoes his earlier stance on the matter, recalling his declaration of vote during the drafting of the 1976 Constitution, where he lamented the absence of explicit references to the dignity of the human person and freedom of education. His comments suggest a continued commitment to these principles, even as he navigates his new role outside of formal political power.
Unfinished Business: Addressing Homelessness
During a question-and-answer session with Rádio Renascença, Rebelo de Sousa was pressed on his unfulfilled pledge to provide shelter for all homeless individuals during his presidency. He acknowledged the challenge, attributing the lack of complete success to “new challenges” that emerged over the course of his ten years in office, and anticipated further challenges in the coming decades. He underscored the importance of love as a guiding principle in addressing such complex social issues, framing it as a challenge not only for Pope Leo XIV but for all “pilgrims in this earthly world.”
A Promise of Silence, Quickly Recalled
Rebelo de Sousa’s public appearance and pointed remarks come after he explicitly stated his intention to withdraw from the political arena upon leaving office. As reported by Notícias ao Minuto, he assured the public that he would refrain from commenting on or engaging with Portuguese political life, quipping that friends had bet against his ability to remain silent. “I have friends who bet this will be a short-lived thing, but I’ve been in public life for so long that it’s time to grant way to others,” he said at the time.
However, his recent intervention suggests a willingness to re-engage, albeit in a different capacity. He also expressed gratitude for the patience of the press as he transitioned into what he termed an “eternal desert,” as noted by Notícias ao Minuto.
Looking Ahead: Continued Engagement?
While Rebelo de Sousa’s future role remains undefined, his willingness to speak out on critical issues suggests he will continue to be a voice in the Portuguese public sphere. The next significant event will be the ongoing parliamentary debate surrounding the regulation of euthanasia, a topic where his views are likely to be closely watched. The government has not yet announced a firm timeline for bringing the regulations to a vote, but pressure from various political and social groups is mounting.
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