The President of the Republic has reaffirmed that "any racist or xenophobic behaviour is reprehensible and intolerable", and should be punished, but added that the Portuguese are "as a rule" respectful of the "fundamental rights and the dignity of humans".

"The President of the Republic underlines, once again, that any racist or xenophobic behaviour is reprehensible and intolerable, and must be duly punished, regardless of the victim", says a note released on the Presidency's website.

Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa points out that "it is not worth denying that there are, unfortunately, racist and xenophobic people among us", but stresses that "one cannot, and should not, generalise, as the behaviour of Portuguese society is, as a rule, respectful to fundamental rights and human dignity".

And added that "the same can be said, specifically, regarding the communities of the Portuguese-speaking countries, which have been increasing their presence" in Portugal and "are a reason for gratitude and pride".

"Portuguese society is made up of people from the most varied origins, who arrived here a few or many years ago, some for centuries, live here, work, raise their families: there are no 'pure Portuguese', we are all descendants of diverse cultures, civilizations and origins".

"We are all transmigrants, we all have family and friends who live or have lived outside the physical geographic framework of the country; just like so many who find a better life here. And we are all Portugal", defends Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

Racism claims

Despite not mentioning the case, this note from the Portuguese head of state comes two days after Brazilian actress, model and presenter Giovanna Ewbank denounced on social media that her children were victims of racism in a restaurant in Costa de Caparica.

A family of Angolan tourists who were said to also be at the restaurant was also said to have been the victim of racism by an intoxicated woman, who was detained by the authorities.

"We communicate that the children of the couple Giovanna Ewbank and Bruno Gagliasso were victims of racism at the Clássico Beach Club restaurant, in Costa de Caparica, Portugal, this Saturday, July 30, where the family spends their holidays”, reads a statement released by the press office of the Brazilian actress.

"The criminal asked them to leave the restaurant and return to Africa, among other absurdities uttered to the children", adds the same note.

The Brazilian couple has already confirmed that they will file a complaint with the authorities.

On Sunday, in a publication on Twitter, former Brazilian head of state and presidential candidate Lula da Silva expressed solidarity with the Brazilian and Angolan families who were allegedly victims of racism, considering that "no mother or father deserves to see their children being victims of racist insults".