João Soares Defends His Father Mário Soares Against False Narratives in Parliament

João Soares Condemns False Narratives

João Soares, the former leader of the PS and son of Mário Soares, has publicly criticized the "false narratives" surrounding his father's legacy, particularly the "calumnious lies" expressed by André Ventura in parliament.

João Soares (left) with his sister Isabel Soares and António Costa during the commemorative ceremony at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon.

This statement was made during a commemorative session marking the centenary of Mário Soares' birth at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon. The event featured prominent speakers, including President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister António Costa.

In a packed auditorium, João Soares honored his father's political, civic, cultural, and human legacy, while also portraying him as a "man of family" who exhibited "immense tenderness and solidarity". He emphasized his father's role as an exemplary son, father, and grandfather.

João Soares stated, "It's important to say this clearly and simply, against some false narratives that continue to appear. He was and still is a victim of the greatest calumnies in our political life, crafted by the dictatorship and its dark forces, but not only that."

He condemned a recent "miserable calumny" he heard on the radio, claiming that his father had stepped on the Portuguese flag in the 1970s, labeling it an "absolute falsehood". He drew parallels with the "calumnious lies" about the decolonization process, uttered by an extreme-right representative in parliament.

During the ceremony, André Ventura, president of Chega, acknowledged Mário Soares' essential role in Portugal's transition to democracy but criticized him harshly, accusing him of complicity in a flawed political system and a "inhumane and poorly executed decolonization".

The event was attended by various dignitaries, including former President Aníbal Cavaco Silva. The stage was adorned with red and yellow roses and carnations, symbols of the April 25 Revolution of 1974.

Mário Soares, born on December 7, 1924, was a key figure in opposing the Estado Novo regime, enduring imprisonment and exile. As a lawyer, he was the founder and first leader of the Socialist Party, later serving as Prime Minister and President of Portugal. He passed away on January 7, 2017, at the age of 92.

The centenary celebrations for his birth will commence today with a comprehensive program extending to 2025, featuring exhibitions, literary publications, and cultural initiatives across the country.