In line with the European Union's Strategy to combat antisemitism and promote Jewish life, presented by the European Commission in 2021, last February the Portuguese Minister of Foreign Affairs appointed ambassador Manuela Franco to the position of National Coordinator of the European Strategy to Combat Antisemitism and Promoting Jewish Life in Portugal.
The previous coordinator, Dr. Pedro Bacelar de Vasconcelos, completed his mandate at the beginning of the year, after numerous active participation in many events held by the national Jewish community, namely at the Kadoorie synagogue, the Jewish museum and the Holocaust museum in Oporto.
In a statement, the Board of the Jewish Community of Oporto did not comment on the suitability of the appointee, but on the mission to be carried out: "Promoting Jewish life is promoting Jewish religion and culture, not just Jewish heritage and memorials. Combating antisemitism is combating the negative perception that exists in relation to the traditional Jew and his achievements, always associated with stereotypes and bad feelings. Such a perception permeates the whole of society and enjoys fierce supporters on the political right, left and centre."
Maria Manuela Ferreira de Macedo Franco was Ambassador of Portugal in Cairo, from December 2019 to February 2023; Ambassador of Portugal in Prague, from April 2015 to November 2019; Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, XV Constitutional Government, 2003; Director of the Diplomatic Institute, 2012-2015; chief of staff of the Secretary of State for Culture 1988-1990; of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation 1985-1987; diplomat, at MNE, 1979; monitor of Public International Law, FDL 1978-1979; degree in Law, Faculty of Law, Classical University of Lisbon, 1978.
