A tiny drama over the weekend saw various political forces ‘react’ to the extraordinary statement by defence minister Nuno Melo that “Olivença is Portuguese”. Olivença is in the Spanish Extremadura, and has no intention of being Portuguese. But Mr Melo was referring to history, and how Olivença should have been ‘returned to Portugal’ (but wasn’t)… in the 13th century. His comments were lampooned by satirical programme Isto é Gozar com Quem Trabalha, and severely criticised by opposition parties, as well as commentators. The consensus has been that the comment ‘sealed the death of the CDS party’ that is part of the current government coalition, but has only two MPs.
Olivença stays Spanish, in spite of defence minister’s comments
Nuno Melo. Image: Luís Forra/ Lusa
