Luanda - National Assembly (AN) has written a golden page in its history, by electing a woman to its presidency, said the new Speaker Carolina Cerqueira on Friday, stating that the move represents a step towards the foundations of equality and justice.
The former Minister of State for the Social Affairs was elected during the Constitutive Meeting of the V Legislature of the National Assembly (2022-2027).
Carolina Cerqueira stressed that her election as Speaker of the AN is an honour, pride and responsibility, taking into account the numerous and complex challenges faced by those who preside over such a plural body in its composition.
The new Speaker referred to having assumed such a responsibility, convinced that she will not be alone in this endeavor, as she will be able to count on the invaluable support of the vice Speaker and, above all, of all the MPs that make up the institution.
To Carolina Cerqueira, the fact of leading the Parliament does not make her special, but constitutes a reference and a strong message to all women, particularly young women, who must not stop dreaming of making their voices heard and conquer, with dignity, the right to make decisions at the highest level capable of improving the lives of the people.
Carolina Cerqueira said she is convinced that her election to this position is part of the long historical path taken by Angolan women in the struggle for their emancipation, part of the secular process of liberation of the Angolan people.
She recalled that 14 years ago (2008), when she was sworn in as a MP, she had stated that the Angolan Parliament is the sanctuary of democracy and guardian of justice and laws, in defense of the common good and the national interest, a mission that remains valid, albeit in a different political cycle.
Finally, she thanked the outgoing Speaker of the National Assembly, Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos, for his work and for the way he managed the institution.
Fernando da Piedade Dias dos Santos expressed, in turn, a deep feeling of gratitude to the people and to the MPLA, the party that nominated him to exercise the post of Speaker of the National Assembly for about three terms.