The local structure of the Left Block in Guimarães, through a statement signed by Francisca Sousa, criticized the reception of the Israeli ambassador in the city. The party questioned how the meeting was publicly presented by the local authority, which mentioned the possibility of developing new areas of collaboration in the fields of innovation, technology, industry and investment.
For the Left Block, these cooperation prospects arise at a time marked by the war in Gaza, the occupation of Palestinian territories, and alleged serious violations of international law. The party argues that the institutional relations promoted by a local authority also represent political choices and that Guimarães should not deepen economic, technological or institutional relations with Israel without taking into account the situation experienced by the Palestinian people and the decisions of the International Court of Justice.
The party demands that Ricardo Araújo publicly clarify the objectives of the meeting with the Israeli diplomat, any commitments or forms of cooperation discussed, and what the Municipality's position is regarding the alleged violations of international law in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The municipal structure concludes by calling on Guimarães to position itself "on the side of international law, human rights and peace," arguing that the pursuit of investment and economic opportunities should not take precedence over humanitarian issues and fundamental principles.
