Colloquium Post-1974 and the Consolidation of the National Civil Protection

"The post-1974 democratic process and the consolidation of the National Civil Protection System" is the title and theme of a special session of the 14th Technology and Society Debate Cycle, promoted annually by the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Engineering and Technology (FCNET) of Universidade Lusófona - Centro Universitário Lisboa e Porto, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of 25 April 1974.

Objectives of the debate: Civil Protection is a pressing issue and an absolute priority for the development and progress of modern societies. But it was Democratic Portugal that created the conditions for it to be enshrined and developed in our country to the point where we know it today. It is therefore in order to remember and better understand this constructive process that we intend to bring together a series of testimonies from protagonists at the time of the events, which reflect the transformation and consolidation of the National Civil Protection System after 1974, in the light of the values of April, democratic values that it too helped to realise.
 

Programme

• 09h30 - Reception for participants.
• 10h00 - Opening and Introduction of the Theme.
• 10h20 - Speeches by the Honourable Speakers.
• 12h00 - Debate/Round Table.
• 12h30 - Summary and Closing.
   

Speakers

General António Ramalho Eanes - First President of the Republic elected by universal suffrage, immediately after the 25th of April. During his two terms in office (Jun.1976-Dec.1980 and Dec.1980-Feb.1986) he was an attentive observer and participant in many moments of the construction of the National Civil Protection System (please help us improve this summary presentation).

Father Victor Melícias - First president of the National Council of Fire Services after 25 April. In 1974 he was elected President of the League of Portuguese Firefighters, a position he held until 1980, and then chaired the National Fire Service from 1981 to 1983.

Commander Manuel Velloso - Director of Operations for the National Fire and Civil Protection Service, Commander of the CVP-Lisbon Relief Unit, he was a fire inspector, commanded Civil Protection in several districts and took part in 22 international missions. He is the Chief Coordinator of ANAFS.

Dr Duarte Nuno Caldeira - Current Chairman of the Board of the Centre for Studies and Intervention in Civil Protection and member of the Board of the Law and Security Institute. Over the last 30 years he has actively participated in various roles within the structures of the Portuguese Fire Brigades. Leader of the Portuguese Firefighters' League for 20 years, 12 of which as President. Director of the National School of Firefighters for 11 years, 3 of which as President.

Moderator: Dr Maria Isabel Oneto - Secretary of State for Internal Administration in the XXII Constitutional Government and Assistant Secretary of State for Internal Administration in the XXI Constitutional Government, she was a Member of Parliament between 2009 and 2022, Civil Governor of the District of Porto between 2005 and 2009, and served as a Councillor in Porto City Council from 2001 to 2005. She was an assistant professor of law at the Lusófona University of Porto and also worked as a journalist between 1979 and 2000.