Prime Minister Luís Montenegro received the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, at the São Bento Palace in Lisbon, where they gave a joint press conference.

Recalling the European Council, which took place this week in Brussels, Belgium, Montenegro stressed in relation to the governments of the European Union: "We share common values, we share the interest in safeguarding peace, the spirit of solidarity of the European Union and being a reference in the world for democracy, respect for human rights, progress and well-being".

Regarding the European elections, the Head of Government began by considering that "Portugal is perhaps where the challenge of participation is highest on that day - because it precedes a national holiday, June 10, Portugal Day, Portuguese Communities Day and Camões Day", he considered, also speaking about the 13th, which is a holiday in the Portuguese capital.

"It is a week when many Portuguese people take the opportunity to plan days of rest, and even enjoy a vacation. Which, together with the already traditional lower turnout rate, poses an additional challenge to Portugal", he reinforced.

Montenegro explained that, like "many other members of the Government" will do, he will vote early, on June 2 - and in the conversation he had with Metsola, he will have informed her of the awareness campaigns developed by the Executive to combat a possible 'difficulty' in going to the polls on the part of the Portuguese. "I had the opportunity to share the commitment of the Portuguese Government to launching an awareness campaign for voters for two circumstances: firstly, the possibility that we are working on so that the exercise of the right to vote can be carried out in mobility", he said, adding that a campaign was also underway "so that the instruments provided by law can be used", referring to early voting.

The Head of Government also stressed the importance of voting in these elections, which elect Portuguese representatives in Europe. "It is also about dealing with the future of Portugal. To be Portuguese is to be European. To be European is to deal with the future of all of us", he considered.

And what does Metsola say?

After Montenegro underlined the "friendship" that Metsola has given not only to Europe, but also to Portugal, it was the European leader who spoke. "I am delighted to be back in Lisbon, Portugal", she began by saying, praising Montenegro's work.

"We have known each other for a long time and I have always been impressed by your dedication, leadership and commitment", she said. Metsola reiterated that the main issue on the table was the European elections and said that she was "aware of the difficulties of the date [of the European elections] for Portugal". "But at a time when fewer people live in democracy than outside it, I would say that it is a joint responsibility to safeguard democracy and to vote", she appealed.

The leader of the European Parliament also said that the same subject was discussed with the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and also with the president of the Assembly of the Republic, José Aguiar-Branco. "I am confident that we can trust the Portuguese institutions to alert citizens about the importance of the elections", she added.

Metsola also spoke about the MEPs who left the European Parliament and who are now members of the Government. "Our loss will be your gain", considered the president, referring to the fact that these now ministers will be a guarantee of "strength".

[News updated at 4:07 pm]

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