en 
“We have to guarantee essential goods, to ensure the functioning of the economy, to support companies, starting with those in the crucial sectors, to take care of people, in particular the poorest and needy. All this with firmness in values and principles, clarity in decisions, but serenity in posture", he defended.
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was speaking to the media at the Palácio da Cidadela de Cascais, in the district of Lisbon, after a meeting of the Council of State whose only item on the agenda was the situation in Ukraine.
Courage
"What has already happened has had, and will have enormous costs in the lives of all of us, particularly in Europe. There is no denying it or pretending that these costs will not fall in one way or another in our lives. And we must face them with the same courage and determination shown in the last two years, in a spirit of unity, cohesion, solidarity and effectiveness", he said.
The head of state considered that Portugal has done what it should have done since the beginning of this war, and added: "We are not under any illusions about the very difficult times that are here or that are coming, as happened with the pandemic".
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The problem is the people running this country are clueless.
Here is just another example
Intel said it will spend a total of €33 billion during its first phase of EU expansions. This will include €12 billion spent on enhancing its existing fab in Ireland and €17 billion put toward building a pair of completely new production facilities in Magdeburg, Germany.
The remainder of the €33 billion "first phase" investment will help expand Intel's R&D and design hub in France and grow its manufacturing, foundry, and research efforts across Italy, Poland, and Spain.
Not a mention of Portugal,because Portugal thinks tourism is the answer and has not invested in bringing the economy into the future.
Minimum wage seasonal jobs and not the high paying jobs on offer elsewhere.
Until the leaders wake up Portugal is destined to remain one of the poorest countries in the EU.
By James from Algarve on 15 Mar 2022, 17:25
James is right. What manufacturing or high end work is available in Portugal? Continue on the tourism path and it will only bring low paid and seasonal work. Portugal has a labyrinth of good quality motorways that could be utilised for industrial purposes.
By Ian from Alentejo on 16 Mar 2022, 06:39
Previous comments complain about a single business deal in the context of an article regarding the huge economic hit ahead due to A WAR, MILLIONS of fellow immigrants finding new homes as we have, as well as a still very present PANDEMIC. I don’t understand the angry and belittling tone of the comments toward this beautiful and kind country that the commenters chose to enjoy in the Algarve and Alentejo, notably removed from the more economically developed North. The North is receiving billions of investment to build another Silicon Valley and offers high end textile manufacturing near its large port. Did the commentators truly settle in the south hoping to live under smoking factories? You may be frustrated in your slower retirement lifestyles and write up negative comments to feel like you are in the game. Please take that energy and use it for good, reaching out not to criticize but to enrich Portugal at a time where so many people will be suffering economically due to very real painful world emergencies, not due to a single deal. Re-read the article and think of how you can help people who will suffer.
By Elizabeth from Porto on 16 Mar 2022, 10:25
In a past life (ahem Dictator) Alentejo was the PT wheat basket. Since then, under bad management, PT has been importing grain as well as many other things which were previously made/grown in PT.
By L from Other on 16 Mar 2022, 10:29
I agree with Marcelo but, James is correct. Tourism is not the long term answer. Manufacturing in Portugal needs to be kept . Don’t make the mistake the USA made in shipping manufacturing jobs out of the country. Portuguese made products are best.
By Ana from USA on 16 Mar 2022, 11:26
Right-o, James!
We mentioned to our Portuguese friend that maybe an expansion into industry would help the Algarve in the future and he spit out in shock, “Factories in Algarve! That will never happen.” So much land that can’t be used for houses. Not enough housing or water for the people living here. The government is desperate to entice foreigners to bring their money here as if more people using scarce resources is the economic answer. Wake up. Orange trees and foreigners are not a long term solution.
By Nicole from Algarve on 16 Mar 2022, 13:55
I think there is a lot of very unfair criticism here from armchair warriors no doubt bored in their villas on a cloudy day.
You don't build industrial infrastructure in a day. Portugal's current situation is the result of centuries of history.
The government here is at least minimally competent and trustworthy, unlike the corrupt-to-the-core Putin-fed scammers we have in the UK. Admittedly that is a low bar indeed. But I think their approach is a great deal more far-sighted than just "let's build factories. That is just soooo superannuated 20th century thinking.
By Mark Temple from Algarve on 16 Mar 2022, 16:10
Actually it is people that live here and see the fact that young people flee to find better paying jobs elsewhere.
By James from Algarve on 17 Mar 2022, 07:45
James is spot on with his observations above. what will it take to pry the Portuguese away from their obsession with Socialism (the state wil take care of us ) , Tourism and Cork !
By Stu Watson from Algarve on 18 Mar 2022, 04:04