João Duarte Oliveira's Alocução ao Senhor Presidente da República is a unique piece of writing. It presents itself exactly as the title suggests: a formal address directed to the nation's President. There's no narrative in the traditional sense, no characters in a novel's way. Instead, the "story" is the argument itself—the journey of its ideas.

The Story

Think of it as a script for a moment we didn't witness. Oliveira constructs his address with careful logic. He likely begins with the necessary formalities, acknowledging the office and the occasion. But the core of the text is where it gets interesting. He moves into a direct presentation of ideas, concerns, or proposals for the nation. The structure is that of a persuasive speech: identifying a current state, outlining a desired future, and proposing a path to get there. The "plot" is the build of his case, point by point, aiming to persuade the most powerful listener in the country. It's a snapshot of civic thought, framed for the highest possible audience.

Why You Should Read It

I found this compelling because it strips politics down to its essence: communication. It's not analysis or commentary written safely after the fact. This is the primary source, the actual words someone chose for a high-stakes moment. Reading it, you're forced to engage with the ideas directly, without a filter. You get to decide if the arguments are sound, if the vision is compelling. It feels strangely intimate and powerfully public at the same time. It made me think about what I would say if given such a platform, and what truly matters when speaking to power.

Final Verdict

This isn't for someone looking for a beach read. It's perfect for readers interested in political philosophy, rhetoric, or Portuguese history and society. It's also great for anyone who enjoys primary documents—the raw material of history and thought before it gets interpreted by others. If you like unpacking speeches, analyzing arguments, or just peeking into a formal dialogue between a citizen and the state, this short text offers a lot to ponder. Approach it like an artifact, and you'll find it's surprisingly lively.