Isabel Moreira's Bold Response to Pedro Nuno Santos on Immigration Controversy

Isabel Moreira's Take on Immigration Statements

On Rádio Observador, Isabel Moreira, a member of the Socialist Party (PS) leadership, expressed her surprise regarding Pedro Nuno Santos' comments on immigration, specifically his reference to the "chamada effect". Moreira noted that this terminology indicated a "failure in language" from the party leader.

During the program "Comissão de Inquérito", Moreira defended Santos, stating that there is nothing new about wanting to change the law, which the PS has always acknowledged since requesting parliamentary review of a government proposal lacking an alternative to the interest manifestation mechanism for immigrants entering the country.

Concerns Over Statements

The remarks by Santos that seemed to disturb many were related to the "chamada effect", which he attributed to the abolished government mechanism. Moreira highlighted the contradiction between this statement and Santos' acknowledgment of the importance of immigrants in various sectors.

Moreira also expressed discomfort with Santos' suggestion that immigrants should "share" the "Portuguese way of life". She emphasized that, in normative terms, "we do not share anything except republican legality", asserting that both foreigners and Portuguese are subject to the same laws.

Clarifying Positions

Previously, Moreira criticized this stance on social media, reinforcing that the Constitution stipulates that both Portuguese and foreigners are subject to the same duties and entitled to the same rights. She stated that "the idea of a singular way of life or culture lacks constitutional basis" and is alien to the political realm.

On the radio, she reiterated her point, stressing that there are no specific obligations for foreigners beyond what the Constitution dictates. Moreira dismissed concerns about divisions within the party, arguing that reactions linking Santos to the extreme right are "absurd" and that it is actually the PSD party absorbing the extreme right narrative.

Presidential Preferences

When questioned about the upcoming presidential candidates, Moreira expressed a preference for António Vitorino over António José Seguro, stating, "Seguro does not seem like a good candidate to me". She expressed concern over Seguro’s leadership and indicated she could not support him due to his recent positions, particularly regarding the state budget.

In her view, Vitorino is a well-prepared candidate and a great asset to the PS.