Association of victims of wins right to “official inauguration” of memorial to those who died in 2017 fires
Both President Marcelo and prime minister António Costa will be attending a ceremony this afternoon to honour the victims of the killer fires of 2017.
More specifically, this is the inauguration of the monument to the 115 dead that the association of victims of Pedrógão Grande so badly wanted.
By coincidence, President Marcelo visited the monument, without any pomp or ceremony, last Saturday, saying he felt his presence was “important”.
To be fair, the fact that this year, the anniversary of the Pedrógão Grande fire was not marked by anyone in government, caused local and national controversy.
Sources for the government were quick to try and improve the overall poor look – thus this ceremony has been arranged at some considerable speed.
Say reports today, Marcelo is making a point of returning quickly after a lunch in Italy – with the King of Spain and Italian president – in order to make it back in time.
