National Reading Plan launched in Porto by the Prime Minister, who stated that reading equals freedom

The Prime Minister, António Costa, accompanied by Mayor of Porto, Rui Moreira,  were in Almeida Garrett Municipal Library in the city of Porto,  for the presentation of the National Reading Plan 2017-2027.

The National Reading Plan is a Government initiative, designed to promote language and literacy development. It is aimed at raising awareness at the importance of reading among children and adults, and especially among school populations.

The Prime Minister, António Costa, highlighted why reading is important by saying that "reading equals freedom" as a means of citizen's gaining knowledge and at the same time promoting the opportunity for "active citizenship".

The Prime Minister explained the importance of having chosen this date, the world Book Day (World Book Day is a yearly event celebrated on April 23rd, organized by UNESCO), for the National Reading Plan official launch affirming that "besides celebrating World Book Day, I have chosen this day because in two days Portugal celebrates The Carnation Revolution".

This day is also referred to as the 25th of April (Portuguese: vinte e cinco de Abril). A military coup in Lisbon, Portugal, on 25 April 1974, which overthrew the regime of the Estado Novo. 

António Costa also stated that "citizenship requires the understanding of complexity", which according to the Prime Minister, can only be achieved with "a reading culture".

The Head of Government established a parallel between the improved performances of Portuguese students in the framework of International Student Assessment (PISA) and the implementation of the National Reading Plan, affirming that what began as a project for improving schoolchildren literacy is of growing importance for the Portuguese society at large.

The Mayor of Porto, Rui Moreira, stressed that the National Reading Plan is "a key tool for implementing the principles of a society", and was very pleased to see "culture and reading as a political priority."

The National Reading Plan includes different initiatives, such as the promotion of daily reading in kindergartens and classrooms; promotion of reading within a family context; promotion of reading at public libraries and in other social contexts; use of media and public opinion awareness campaigns; production of programmes centred around books and reading, to be broadcast both on radio and television; creation of internet resources on books and reading for children, young people and adults.