The organizing committee for the centenary of the birth of Mário Soares wants to give a festive flavor to the celebration, to match the hope, flavor of life and culture of the former President of the Republic and the founder of the PS.
It was Isabel Soares, the daughter of the former head of State, who drew attention to the characteristics of the commemoration this Thursday, in the presentation session of the commemorative program, which was held at Escola Básica Maria Barroso, in the center of Lisbon, and was part of the program. the presence of the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.
With the Mayor of Lisbon, Carlos Moedas, sitting in the front row of the audience and in front of a hundred children from kindergarten and the first four years of school, the writer of children’s literature Luísa Ducla Soares opened the session telling the children in 30 minutes the The story of Mario Soares.
Isabel Soares, a member of the centenary organizing committee, spoke next to defend that the commemorative activities should be focused on the younger generations, in order to transmit to them the legacy of her father, who is against the Estado Novo regime, “Fighter for of freedom. ”, prime minister of three constitutional governments (1976/1978, 1978 and 1983/1985) and head of state between 1986 and 1996.
“The members of the commission, coordinated by José Manuel dos Santos, did a great job preparing a series of documents for schools and exhibitions. We want to talk to young people about the person of Mário Soares and, above all, about his legacy.”the daughter of the former President of the Republic was declared.
With her brother João Soares, former minister and mayor of Lisbon, listening to her, Isabel Soares classified the celebration program as “huge” and emphasized the idea that it would spread to the whole country and that there would be a festive aspect relating to it.
“It is with celebration that we celebrate the centenary of Mário Soares. As I said here before Luísa Ducla da Soares, he was a A very optimistic and cheerful person, even in the most difficult and difficult moments. My brother João and I visited our father many times in Aljube or Caxias prisons and he was always the one who made us very happy”, he said.
“It was always him, with his bright smile, who gave us courage, encouraged us and said that freedom would happen the next day”, said the daughter of the founder and first general secretary of the PS.
Of the initiatives planned for the centenary, which will only end in December 2025, Isabel Soares, who spoke in front of Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, highlighted the initiatives of a cultural nature.
“My father said that culture is the salt of democracy. So, on the 5th of December, in Serralves, we will have a big exhibition opening, with part of my parents’ painting collection, which will be called Salt of Democracy. The President of the Republic gives us the pleasure and honor to be there”, he said
Isabel Soares also mentioned that his books and manuscripts will also be part of the exhibition, “because he loved books and his library is large and very rich, especially the first editions”.
On December 7, the day that commemorates the centenary of the birth of the former President of the Republic, an evocative session will be held at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, in which the book ”Writings of Resistance”, the third volume of the whole, will be held. works, which will be sent by Mário Soares, at Imprensa Nacional Casa da Moeda. The book will be presented by former PSD leader José Pacheco Pereira.
“As Luísa Ducla Soares said before, more than a President, Mário Soares was someone who fought for freedom and democracy, he was an opposition, he was arrested 12 times”, Isabel Soares showed.
Before this speech by Isabel Soares, there were very fun moments of interaction at the presentation session of the children’s book “Mário Soares on the path to freedom” with the children of Escola Básica Maria Barroso. There was general laughter when the writer said that Soares walked around sitting on a giant turtle in the Seychelles and riding an elephant when he visited India.
He said that Soares is the only president of the Republic who is smiling in his official portrait. Afterwards, the writer asked Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa if he would also be seen smiling in his portrait. The President of the Republic responded by making a gesture with his hand, suggesting skepticism.
The Parliament commemorates the centenary of Mário Soares with a solemn session on December 6
How is Isabel Soares working to engage younger generations with her father’s legacy during the centenary celebrations?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Isabel Soares on the Centenary of Mário Soares
Editor: Good afternoon, Isabel. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the centenary celebrations of your father, Mário Soares. It sounds like there’s a wonderful program in the works!
Isabel Soares: Good afternoon! Yes, we’re incredibly excited about the celebrations. We want to infuse them with the same hope and flavor of life that my father embodied.
Editor: Your father had such a profound influence on Portuguese democracy as a fighter against the Estado Novo regime. How are you planning to convey his legacy to younger generations through this commemoration?
Isabel Soares: That’s a key focus for us. We believe it’s crucial to share my father’s legacy with the youth, particularly since he laid the groundwork for the freedoms they enjoy today. We’re organizing sessions in schools and various exhibitions throughout the country to engage with young people directly.
Editor: I understand one of the events included a storytelling session for children led by children’s literature author, Luísa Ducla Soares. What was the significance of holding such an event?
Isabel Soares: Absolutely. We want to make the history of Mário Soares accessible and relatable. Luísa’s storytelling sessions help translate complex historical themes into engaging formats for children. It’s about sparking their curiosity about democracy and the values my father championed.
Editor: You mentioned that your father emphasized culture as a central pillar of democracy. Could you elaborate on what cultural initiatives are planned for the centenary?
Isabel Soares: Yes! One of the highlights will be an exhibition titled “Salt of Democracy,” featuring my parents’ painting collection, which will open on December 5th at Serralves. Additionally, there will be showcases of my father’s books and manuscripts, highlighting his love for literature and learning.
Editor: That sounds fantastic! What else can we look forward to in December, especially on the exact anniversary of his birth?
Isabel Soares: On December 7th, we will hold a special session at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. This will be an evocative moment as we present “Writings of Resistance,” the third volume of my father’s collected works. It’s a fitting tribute to his life’s work and struggles.
Editor: How do you hope people will remember Mário Soares after these celebrations?
Isabel Soares: I hope people will remember him not just as a politician but as a beacon of hope, resilience, and courage. As I often mention, my father’s optimism and cheerful disposition even through adversity shaped our lives, and I wish to instill that spirit in others. His enduring belief in democracy is something we need to uphold and celebrate.
Editor: That’s a poignant note to end on, Isabel. Thank you for sharing the details of the celebration and the enduring legacy of your father with us. It’s clear that you’re continuing his mission to inspire future generations.
Isabel Soares: Thank you for having me! Let’s carry forward his legacy together.