For some time I looked at the figure of José Sócrates as a mix between Teodorico Raposo and Calisto Elói. Teodorico, not on the side of romantic adventures, because I don’t care, although that has had an influence on the perception and creation of the character over the years, through the less than impartial texts of a well-known journalist. It’s really on the covert side, which appeared one thing, continued to defend an image, and turned out to be another.
Calisto Elói for the obvious reasons: a low-life guy, completely dazzled by power and money. With nouveau riche complexes, without being one, but becoming one. And, of course, adding to all this the feeling of impunity that many politicians see fueled by the failures of Justice and the lack of scrutiny that has been characteristic in our country.
However, despite the fact that Socrates’ trial has not yet come to an end – and nothing indicates that it will come anytime soon – public opinion has already judged him. No one gives him credit anymore, almost everyone believes he is guilty. Once respected and feared, Socrates became, in the eyes of public opinion, a caricature of himself. No one gives it any importance; Everything he says serves to ridicule himself or anyone associated with him. Anyone who was linked to Sócrates in the past, for professional or personal reasons, did not form a CV: they formed a register. This is the feeling that prevails in general opinion. Hence, when he expressed support for Gouveia e Melo, he reacted as if leprosy was touching him. Nobody wants to be in Socrates’ mouth: it’s the Midas touch in reverse.
José Sócrates didn’t realize this, he doesn’t accept this; He clings to the fact that he has not yet been convicted as a mark of his innocence. He didn’t understand that he was rejected by everyone. That his tricks to play with Justice, between prescriptions and delays, are even deeper blows to the way the Portuguese people see him.
He didn’t understand that not only does he not have the influence he once had, he also has a bad influence. José Sócrates, namesake of one of the greatest figures in Western philosophical thought, has become synonymous with the grotesque, caricatured figure that absurdity in politics can create. It is not synonymous with Greek philosophy; it will, however, be Portuguese burlesque tragi-comedy.
Assistant professor at the Autonomous University of Lisbon and researcher (at CIDEHUS).
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