TORONTO – I met Jose Cesario and Paola Madeiros a few years ago on matters relating to the Portuguese community and its integration into the larger Canadian society, in particular, the manners in which it seemed to have established a strong working relationship with the Italian community. 

Ms. Madeiros was employed at the Portuguese Consulate in Toronto at the time. “We share similar characteristics and values that make us ideal potential citizens in the countries to which we emigrate”, she said with a warm smile. When her tour of duty ended, she returned to Portugal where her acquired expertise became an invaluable resource to Portuguese policy makers. She hopes to put them into practice through the political office to which she is seeking election.

She and Jose Cesario, both candidates on the Democratic Alliance in the Out of Europe Constituency, wanted to explore some ideas and procedures with some voters and with the Corriere Canadese (Correo Canadiano, Portuguese edition). Without false humility, “they gave more than they received”.

Jose Cesario is an experienced Political personality who has served his country and the Portuguese Diaspora in numerous roles. “One does not cease to be Portuguese simply for leaving the motherland in search of a more rewarding economic lifestyle elsewhere; as members of the Portuguese reality living abroad, we still have a right to access to what our citizenship entitles us and to dignity that is associated with access to our elected Parliament”, he says with conviction.

As a theory and political goal, it sounds attractive, I said, but what do you have to do specifically, I wondered? Almost as he read my mind, Cesario and Madeiros jumped in with what seemed more than logical: just like your representatives from the Italian community, our Diaspora has the right to vote in the National Parliament; as per the Geneva Convention, 1981, we can retain [dual] citizenship even when we emigrate; but governments have chosen to restrict us, they said.

“We want that citizenship restored. Grandchildren of those who lost it in 1981 should be able to recover it and all the benefits that come with it, including access to the resources available for those who want to make use of the training and cultural programs available to citizens anywhere”, they said in enthusiastic unison.

They would have to work closely with the “front line” agencies and institutions of the Portuguese Parliament – Consular and Cultural Services abroad. Madeiros’ experience in that regard would be of practical service. Cesario is a well-travelled agent/advocate of “the Portuguese Brand” throughout the world. Both have practical experience that validates their perspective.

 They will also need the stamina and dedication to serve the Diaspora (approximately 1.5 million registered citizens) in two electoral districts outside of Portugal, about 50% of them outside of Europe. Each district elects two Deputies. Cesario and Maderios have chosen to seek election to the constituency outside Europe.

That district includes, Macau, South Africa, Angola, Namibia, Brazil, Argentina, Canada… [I know I missed a couple] … It is a formidable task. They’re ready. 

In the pic above, from left: Jose Dias, Jose Cesario, Joe Volpe, Maria Alzira Lima, Paola Madeiros and Carlos Lima; here below, from left: Volpe, Cesario and Madeiros