Marques Mendes advocates for more investment in Lusophony

Presidential candidate Luís Marques Mendes argued this Wednesday that Portugal should increase its investment in the Lusophone world, considering that this investment is essential for the country's affirmation within the European Union.

During his speech at the 1st International Entrepreneurship and Innovation Competition and Fair, promoted by RIAL — the International Academic Network of Lusophony, in Santarém, the former PSD leader argued that the more investment is made in Africa, the "more weight" Portugal will have within the European Union . "Our weight in the European Union is not limited to our territory. We can be an open door for the European Union's entry into Africa, and this strengthens Portugal's prestige," he stated.

Luís Marques Mendes lamented, however, that Lusophony continues to be “a poor relation of Portuguese foreign policy” and called for a strengthening of cooperation between the CPLP countries, considering it “one of the four fundamental axes” of the country's international action, alongside Europe, the transatlantic relationship and the Portuguese communities.

Marques Mendes considered it essential to invest more in the Portuguese language, culture, and teacher training, as well as to implement the CPLP mobility agreement, signed in 2021. "Portugal will need immigrants. And if they are from Portuguese-speaking countries, integration will be easier," he stated.

The presidential candidate also warned that Portugal is investing “little in Lusophony”, especially in strengthening the Portuguese language, which he described as “the most indestructible bond” between Portugal and the countries that this year celebrate 50 years of independence .

Despite the criticism, he expressed optimism about the future: "We're on this path, and I believe there will be more investment in this area . It's good for Portugal, it's good for Portuguese-speaking African countries, it's good for Brazil. We are the eighth most spoken language in the world," he concluded.