In a speech at the solemn session commemorating the 25th of April, in parliament, Inês de Sousa Real defended that the "music of freedom" that played 50 years ago inspired the country to fight "for better living conditions, for human rights and social justice" and left a legacy "that today takes on a new dimension in the face of the great challenges" of our time, such as wars, climate change or "the rise of political forces that challenge human rights".

"As we listen to the music that plays today, we are confronted with a reality that deeply concerns us, which has spread throughout Europe and which today is spreading throughout Portugal. House by house, street by street", she stressed.

The PAN spokesperson stressed that "the rights that have been gradually and subtly conquered are being challenged, not only the rights of women, of the most vulnerable, but also the rights of animals and respect for nature".

"The revolution of empathy demands that we stand up in defence of these rights, that we become captains, defenders of the freedom and dignity of all living beings", she argued.

For Inês de Sousa Real, "the time has also come for a new music, desired by so many, a music that brings April to nature", that leads "towards a promising future for all, to a revolution that stops the decline of biodiversity, that promotes the abolition of cruel activities towards animals and the right to live in freedom in their natural habitat".

"It is time to tune in to a new music of freedom, to stand up against those who seek to silence the voice of April", she said.

The PAN spokesperson argued that it cannot be allowed that, "50 years after the 25th of April, the voice and the path of progress be silenced and that the culture of fear, of fear for the rights that women have conquered since April" or "the rights that guarantee equality and inclusion" be instilled again.

Sousa Real added that it cannot be allowed "to build trenches" and to feed the idea that one has to "be against each other".

"April gave us the right to live without fear. Let us therefore sing April and not let them take away our freedom and hope to dream and believe in a better society for all without exception", she said.

It cannot be allowed, continued the PAN leader, "for the music of freedom to stop and for the voice of April to be silenced".

"The power to keep the flame and the music of April alive is in all of us. Count on PAN to continue to sing, with new verses, the music of April and to fight for a country that respects people, animals and nature", she concluded, in a speech applauded by the left-wing benches.

Leia Também: 25 de Abril AO MINUTO: Arranca a sessão solene; Seguem-se os discursos (Portuguese version)