Paulo Fidalgo, communication consultant and CEO of Marketividade, took a leading role in the debate on changing the visual identity of the Portuguese Republic, “Yes or No”, organised by Jornal Sol, alongside Carlos Coelho, President of Ivity Brand Corp. In a debate in which the participants expressed different views on the relevance and the approach required for the evolution of national symbols, Paulo Fidalgo emphasised the need to establish a taboo around such changes in order to prevent arbitrary and unfounded alterations to national symbols, while Carlos Coelho defended a gradual and participatory evolution aimed at preserving the essence of national identity.
Paulo Fidalgo believes that “changing” national symbols should be considered taboo in order to prevent arbitrary decisions and argues that any change must be supported by reflection and genuine meaning.
Carlos Coelho, in turn, argues that national symbols need to evolve, provided that the process is transparent and participatory. The President of Ivity Brand Corp. criticises excessive simplification, advocating an evolution that respects history and genuinely represents the country.
Both participants in the debate agree that any change should be carefully considered rather than merely administrative, since national symbols play a role in integrating new citizens and representing the country.
Watch the full debate here and explore in detail the arguments presented by Paulo Fidalgo and Carlos Coelho.
