Fires: Gouveia e Melo “shocked” by politicians’ cynicism

Admiral Henrique Gouveia e Melo, in a message published this Friday on social media, laments the dramatic situation experienced by the population and all those fighting the fires and openly criticizes politicians for their "bubble of cold cynicism in the face of suffering."

Gouveia e Melo wrote on social media: "I have spent the last few days glued to the television, overwhelmed by the images of the fire devouring our territory, by the despair of our women and men. I cannot help but be incredulous and shocked by the stance of some political leaders who, oblivious to the terror experienced by the population, maintain their agendas, in a bubble of cold cynicism in the face of suffering.

If they cannot prevent or remedy, it is expected, at the very least, that they are present, alongside the people, in their suffering.

I don't accept the arguments that "we can't talk about the fires now because it's politically advantageous" or "we can only discuss them after they're fought." These are mere excuses to buy time and try to diminish responsibility. Sticking your head in the sand, postponing what's difficult to resolve, and managing media agendas may not be the best solution.

What we're seeing is a countryside where people cry and fight the flames. But in other parts of the country, there are those toasting the holidays and taking smiling photos at summer political events. It's this disrespect that undermines trust in democracy. A true leader, even without the power to do more, stands up for his people, showing that he doesn't shy away from the responsibilities he's asked to assume.

Year after year, memories fade, and prevention, planning, and structural investments are left off the agenda. If this is politics, I'm very lucky not to have experienced it.

To the firefighters, military personnel, police officers, doctors, nurses, and all those who give their best for Portugal today, my thoughts are with you. And a special thank you to the courageous and supportive people who help each other to defend their homes and lives. I express my deepest gratitude to all of you.

The criticism is aimed directly at the President of the Republic – Marcelo came a few days ago to congratulate himself on the fact that the fires are not being debated or politically exploited by either the Government or the Opposition (in an indirect reference to the admiral) and the Prime Minister and leader of the PSD who, just yesterday, in Pontal, said that the time is to win the war and not to talk about it.