Brussels, 09/05/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 9 May, MEPs at the opening of their plenary session in Brussels paid homage to their colleague Miguel Portas (GUE/NGL, Portugal), who passed away at the age of 53 due to lung cancer. The president of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, emphasised that this MEP was a “passionate activist… an ardent defender of democracy and a convinced European”. He welcomed the “constructive and humane behaviour” of Portas in many controversial situations and pointed out that he was always prompted by a determination to have decisions made democratically. Schulz also referred to the MEP's sense of humour and self-derision. The president concluded: “We will never forget his laugh”.
In a press release, the president of the GUE, Gabi Zimmer, paid homage to an ardent supporter of the left, a man of conviction and culture, who left no one indifferent. The GUE leader said that Portas defended his ideas of social justice, democracy and a better Europe with great tenacity. A memorial ceremony will take place this Thursday 10 May at the European Parliament. (CG/transl.fl)