50 years of a democracy in its prime

Democracy proves its supremacy the very moment an opponent speaks out, debates, puts forward their ideas and alleged solutions. Let's not be patronising, however.

These days we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of 25 April. Half a century later, Portugal is commemorating the Carnation Revolution, the women and men who liberated the country from dictatorship, in the face of a fragile political climate marked by extremes of position.

The achievements of April are now, fortunately, already a prerequisite for the new generations, who cannot even conceive of living in a time when freedom, the various and countless freedoms, would be limited. The trivialisation of these freedoms is in itself an expression of April.

It's no coincidence that the 25th of April saw the creation of a new Constitution that truly guarantees a set of fundamental rights for citizens, from life to a good name, from health to education, from freedoms to limits on state intervention. Portugal also learnt to live in a democracy, to cherish it, even subjecting it to pressures and tests.

50 years on, our democracy is in its prime, remarkably alive. Associative movements are proliferating in defence of their interests, demands on the political class remain unabated, and new discussions and debates are emerging in the face of a new generation of rights (or the recognition of the vicissitudes of others). In fact, and reversing the worst predictions and scenarios, just a few weeks ago the Portuguese went to the polls, achieving record levels of participation not seen since 1995.

However, democracy needs to be continually cared for and appreciated. Its vulgarisation is perhaps the greatest risk to its maintenance. Today we are undeniably living in times of trench discussion, between us and them, between those who think like me and others. Discussing and debating seems to mean, these days, a battle with the other, with no middle ground, no concessions or common bridges, very much in line with the modus operandi and propagated by the populist movements that emerge.

In this regard, I would like to ask what is one of the most pressing questions in light of the reality of the facts: Should democracy tolerate those who don't tolerate it? Democracy is valued and superior precisely because of its equidistant relationship and respect for the most varied positions, some will say. Democracy must respect but defend itself, because that is precisely what it values, say others. Constitutional law students are often presented with this question, precisely because of its complexity.

I believe that, fundamentally, democracy proves its supremacy at the very moment when an opponent speaks out, debates, sets out their ideas and alleged solutions.

However, let's not be patronising. It is up to political decision-makers to corroborate this supremacy by offering answers to citizens' problems, listening to their concerns, demands and divisions. Decision-making centres cannot deviate from society for a moment.

Portugal is celebrating Democracy and Freedom, with its memory in the past but its eyes set on the future. Let's cherish these values, realising that their preservation depends on us.

50 years on, Democracy is alive, let's live it and celebrate it!