Government to Propose Rejection of "Chat Censorship" Plan
Initiative Liberal Leader Criticizes 'Chat Control' Proposal at Albufeira Rally
Mariana Leitao, the leader of the Initiative Liberal and a member of the European Parliament, has spoken out against the Government's proposed 'chat control' at a dinner-rally in Albufeira, marking the political 're-entry' of her party in the Algarve.
In her 30-minute speech, Leitao expressed concern over the potential threat the 'chat control' poses to basic freedoms. She views the proposal as another attack on freedom of expression and privacy, and a step towards a digital police state with powers for abuses.
The 'chat control' is a proposal aimed at monitoring messaging communication platforms to combat child sexual abuse online, according to the European Union. However, Leitao's concerns revolve around the Government's proposal that allows the Judicial Police to censor internet contents without the intervention of a judge.
Leitao accused the Government of failing in basic functions such as fire prevention, childcare, health, and education. She also criticized the Government for opting to politicize justice, choosing a police under government tutelage instead of independent courts, unlike other countries.
The politician went on to propose a reform of the public function and the state business sector, with a focus on evaluating public administration. She suggested identifying and firing those who are surplus, block processes, and live in the shadow of inertia within the public administration.
In addition, Leitao announced a new proposal to be submitted to the Government to reject the 'chat control'. The Initiative Liberal also plans to submit a proposal in the next State Budget for the abolition of public companies that do not present reports and accounts.
Leitao compared the proposal of PSD and Chega to expedited censorship mechanisms applied by the police under the guise of fighting terrorism in other countries. She accused PSD and Chega of joining forces to blatantly violate freedom of expression in Portugal.
The Government's proposal regarding 'chat control' is currently being discussed and voted on in the Assembly of the Republic. The Initiative Liberal's rally was attended by about a hundred militants, who listened attentively to Leitao's speech.
Mariana Leitao's speech at the rally focused primarily on the 'chat control' proposal and the potential threat it poses to basic freedoms. Her words serve as a call to action for those who value freedom of expression and privacy in Portugal.
