The body of Jorge Sampaio is lying in State in Lisbon’s former Royal Picadeiro, now the Coach Museum.
This slow process towards his funeral tomorrow allows for members of the public to come and pay their respects.
Following a small private ceremony involving his family, ‘the three highest members of State’ and many below them, the venue was opened at midday. Citizens will be welcome to visit until 11pm this evening.
Tomorrow is the moment for the funeral, on the second day of national mourning.
Monday will be the third and final day as Mr Sampaio’s passing has been seen as Portugal’s loss of one of its true political gentlemen.
Infrastructures minister Pedro Nuno Santos has been one of so many who have given personal tributes. His message said it all: “Jorge Sampaio had that which all politicians should have: empathy for others, empathy for the most fragile, empathy for those who suffered – and this made the difference in the way he looked at others, how he felt them and how he acted later…”
Jorge Sampaio died early yesterday morning, at the age of 81, after being admitted to hospital on August 27 with breathing difficulties (click here and here).
