Luís Montenegro reacts with good grace after climate activist hurls green paint
Portugal’s ‘radical’ climate activists – the ones who emulate Extinction Rebellion, only many months later – sought to make a splash in the country’s election campaign today by hurling green paint over PSD leader Luís Montenegro as he visited Lisbon’s BTL (Tourism Fair).
Always staying ‘close to the capital’, one activist struck as the figurehead for the AD (Democratic Alliance) was arriving – and to give Mr Montenegro his due, he barely broke his stride.
“If the idea was to convey by concern about climate change and sustainability, it would have been easier to talk”, he smiled, stressing that although he would have preferred not to have had his suit ruined, he “has every respect for people who speak out and defend causes”.
In the style of politicians schooled for the campaign trail, Mr Montenegro referred to the “several measures” that AD has in its programme focused on combating climate change. Indeed, he said he is “very concerned about climate change and the environment” and if elected prime minister means to form a “specialised thematic council of ministers for the climate and energy transition”.
Yes, the day’s agenda will now have to be adjusted. A new suit and shirt, possibly socks and shoes, will have to be found. But any ‘points’ scored by the paint thrower (quickly removed by PSP police) stopped as his paint hit Mr Montenegro’s forehead.
Less charitable perhaps was Nuno Melo, AD’s CDS-PP leader who described the incident as the actions of “stupid children” who have no thought for anyone else but themselves.
How these antics ‘highlight the climate crisis’ few appear to understand. But politicians now are warned: further events close to the capital could require taking along a replacement outfit (and some shampoo). ND
Source material: SIC Notícias
