The initiative marks the beginning of the event series “António Cândido – A Pioneer of Political Science in Portugal”, promoted by the Municipality of Amarante in partnership with the Amarantinos Studies Center, aiming to honor and showcase the career, thought, and legacy of a relevant figure from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The exhibition, previously shown at the Assembly of the Republic in 2023 and 2024, gathers content about the life and work of António Cândido, whose influence marked Portuguese political and intellectual history.
At the opening, the Mayor of Amarante, Jorge Ricardo, highlighted the importance of commemorating António Cândido to celebrate the territory's identity. "He was one of the most illustrious and influential figures in Portugal's political and intellectual history. António Cândido was a man with great social awareness and an important philanthropic role," he stated.
Jorge Ricardo emphasized António Cândido's academic, political, and civic dimension, highlighting his oratorical mastery, capacity for thought, and the relevance of his ideas. He advocated for the valorization of a well-founded political debate, based on rigor, tolerance, and dedication to the public cause, warning against the risks of polarization and immediacy.
“"Democracy is strengthened by rigor, by tolerance, and by uncompromising dedication to the public cause"
The President of the Assembly of the Republic, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, highlighted António Cândido's coherence and firmness of principles, recalling his transition from Monarchy to Republic and his steadfastness despite political changes.
During an interaction with students from the 10th grade of Escola Secundária de Amarante, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco posed the question of who the next António Cândido might be, emphasizing the importance of youth involvement in democratic life: "democracy needs your voice, your ideas, and your participation".
The event series, planned to last one year, aims to deepen knowledge about António Cândido and bring his legacy closer to the community, with a particular focus on engaging the school community and younger generations.
“"Only by promoting this knowledge, permanently and in close proximity to the community, and particularly with the school community, will we be able to honor our history and ensure that we continue to build identity, and, through it, build the future!"
The program also included the participation of the President of the Board of the Amarantinos Studies Center, Pedro Barros, and a visit to the exhibition, which will be open at Solar dos Magalhães until February 27, 2027.
