The second figure in the State hierarchy spoke to journalists at the traditional 25th of April parade, which today marks the fiftieth anniversary of the Carnation Revolution, in an unprecedented presence, since it is the first time that a president of parliament represents the institution in this popular commemoration.

"Democracy is magnificently fragile and, therefore, we must take care of it every day. It depends on us, only on us, to build a stronger and more solid democracy. And this is the message that we must pass on: no one will do for us what we are not available to do", defended José Pedro Aguiar-Branco.

With a carnation on his lapel, the president of parliament considered it necessary for citizens to feel "that participation is a requirement of democracy".

"But this is work, it is a requirement of participation, it is a permanent construction", he stressed.

Questioned about his presence at the popular parade -- which had the massive participation of thousands of citizens on Avenida da Liberdade -- the president of the Assembly of the Republic and former social-democrat minister stressed that this is a "popular demonstration".

"It makes perfect sense to combine the ceremonies in the Assembly of the Republic, as elected representatives of the people, but it also makes perfect sense to make a symbolic gesture of rapprochement between elected representatives and voters, which is the true democratic affirmation. And, therefore, the commemoration is in the street and I think it makes perfect sense to be here with the people as president of the Assembly of the Republic", he considered.

Aguiar-Branco insisted on the importance of bringing voters and elected representatives closer together, showing citizens the work that is done in parliament and that involves "measures that affect people's lives", in addition to some "more spectacular" debates.

Asked whether it has been difficult to maintain the civility of parliamentary work since he was elected at the end of March, Aguiar-Branco replied that it has not, and that the democratic debate "has been conducted with elevation".

"Everything that is said in the Assembly in terms of freedom of speech, we should applaud. The house of democracy is the space par excellence for freedom of expression. The content of what each one says, as long as the exercise of civility is maintained, I think it is acceptable. It is what is expected of democracy, it is the freedom of each one to say even if they can say something against freedom itself. This is what distinguishes democracy from dictatorship", he pointed out.

Aguiar-Branco met moments later with the president of the 25th of April Association, Colonel Vasco Lourenço, with whom he exchanged a few words and began the traditional descent of Avenida da Liberdade to Rossio.

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