Mortágua critics in BE support participation in the flotilla. Marcelo receives the party this Thursday

Even representatives of opposition motions to the current leadership praise Mortágua’s participation in the humanitarian flotilla to Gaza, which was fought by Israel in international waters.

Although its leadership is widely contested internally, the coordinator of the Left Bloc (BE), Mariana Mortágua, is gathering ample internal support for participation in the Global Sumud Humanitarian Flotilla, which tried to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza and was intercepted by Israel on Wednesday. The leader, who left on 31 August with other Portuguese, was detained in international waters About 150 miles of Gaza, the sister, Joana Mortágua confirmed.

For almost three weeks, the blockadelist was absent from Parliament and the campaign for the municipalities. To ensure party representation, Mortágua suspended the mandatebeing replaced in the Assembly of the Republic by Andreia Galvão. The presence in the election campaign is in charge of Marisa Matias and other leaders.

Even internal critics, who will present alternative motions in the next convention, manifest solidarity. Américo Campos, from Motion C, states that the blocks “They are proud of courage and determination“From the leader, despite the lack of official protection. David Norte, from Motion H, speaks of” complete support “to the mission, considering the attitude of Mortágua” commendable “.

There are, however, more cautious voices. Rui Cortes, from Motion S, recognizes “wide support” to participation, but warns of increasing concerns with the removal of the assembly And the lack of internal debate on parliamentary replacement, says.

The detention of the flotilla rekindled fears within the party regarding the Physical integrity of participantsremembering anterior incidents in similar missions. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, asked about measures by the Portuguese government, merely appealed to the “sense of responsibility” of the Israeli authorities and the activists, discarding other actions.

For supporters, the initiative symbolizes “courage and coherence” in a cause that classifies vital. As a former block holder summarized, “Mariana will be for history for have done something against sadistic genocide of the Palestinian people ”.

Marcelo receives Be in Belém

The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, will receive today in audience A delegation of the Left Bloc, at the request of the party led by Mariana Mortágua.

The information about the hearing, which will take place at 14:00, at the Palace of Belém, in Lisbon, was released by the Presidency of the Republic, in an official note, adding that the meeting takes place at the request of the BE.

At least 13 vessels integrated in the flotilha were intercepted by the Navy of Israel, and one was Stackled in International Watersaccording to the organization of the Global Sumud Flotilha.

Among the detainees are the coordinator of the Left Bloc, Mariana Mortágua, Portuguese actress Sofia Aparício and activist Miguel Duarte.