The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, today thanked Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa for his leadership “through these ten turbulent years” during a meeting in Brussels.
“I would like to thank you for leading Portugal through these ten turbulent years,” wrote the Commission chief on social media after receiving the Portuguese head of state at the end of his term in Brussels.
Von der Leyen highlighted that the Portuguese President “represents the democratic spirit of Portugal. In calm moments, he was a unifying presence. In times of crisis, a firm hand. From the pandemic to the tragedy of wildfires, he stood with his people, with closeness and humanity, listening, comforting, and reassuring. Europe benefited from his wisdom, conviction, and humanity.”
Before meeting Von der Leyen, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was also received by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, who thanked him on social media “for everything he has done for Portugal, his commitment to Europe, his leadership and friendship, and his constant support for the values upheld by the European Parliament.”
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa is in Brussels today at the invitation of European Council President António Costa, with whom he will have lunch.
Elected as President of Portugal in 2016 and having served two terms, Marcelo will leave office on March 9, when the new President, António José Seguro, will take office before the Portuguese Parliament.
