Friends praise him. Nicknamed him bear. Opponents accuse him of “arrogance.” High Minho, karateka, coimbrão student, researcher and controversial minister. Who is Tiago Rodrigues Brandão?
Braga, Paredes de Coura, Caminha, Moledo, of course, again Braga, Coimbra and then, Madrid, London and Dallas. And there Campinas, Cuba and Macau. In stride, this would be world map Tiago Brandão Rodrigues , the renowned researcher who left Cambridge and returned to Portugal to become head-to-list of PS by Viana do Castelo and later Education Minister Antonio Costa.
on Thursday, James Brandão Rodrigues returned to Parliament to participate in the plenary in a debate scheduled for CDS “Education Policies”. In his first foray into politics, has added praise for the left. But also created enemies, fed polemics and was the target of harsh criticism. The latest to do with the association agreements. The convulsions of the sectoral policy of his ministry, Weds now charges and suspected of having misused scholarships for 14 years. The minister promptly denied what was published by Saturday Thursday and the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), the entity that awarded the scholarship guarantees “ be no illegality hint “. After all, Who is this unknown that landed in the public space to lead one of the largest and most complex departments in all governments?
James Brandão Rodrigues Life looks more like a corollary of contradictions, those who do fall prejudices. bright student, abstemious, used to be among the best of the best, made the beat a second skin. And yet, sportsman committed, political activist and left coimbrão student, repúblico, Swinger (without drink), music lover, in love with radio , an assiduous frequenter of Paredes de Coura Festival. Rigorous, demanding, convinced of what he says and what he thinks, focused. Someone who strongly respect hierarchies. And yet, bon vivant , with a great sense of humor and genuinely optimistic. Admittedly an “high-minhoto yolk” , however, recognized for its “world view”
Friends do not save you praise. – The list is almost endless. Opponents, however, criticize him gigantic ego and arrogance . Big Scares also not failed him. Born in Braga, on 3 June 1977, he was in Dallas for 11 September. He survived a kidnapping in Campinas. I lived 150 meters from Atocha station on that fateful morning of March 11, 2004 – about the attacks in Madrid did admit in an interview with DN was “psychologically shaken” for months. And still he faced a hurricane in Cuba and a typhoon in Macau.
But if there is something that has always been marked to father’s disease . Antonio Barbosa Rodrigues was aphasic when Tiago Brandão Rodrigues was just five years which forced him, as a child, to relearn how to communicate with the parent. And to grow.
Miguel Alves , now president of Caminha House, and friend of James Brandão Rodrigues at the time the beach Moledo was the center of the world for the two confirms this thesis. “It was a very difficult period for James. His father was a highly respected man. Even after you have ceased to be able to speak, never stopped working in Finance, “he recalls. “ Even today, some people still tell you the father on the street . It is very, very proud, and often does not prevent a tear. “
The disease father, sequela of a stroke, was decisive in the life of James Brandão Rodrigues. “After his father’s illness, he created a barrier around the father and the family” which became even stronger after the death of the parent. The mother, Maria José Brandão Rodrigues, former teacher, has taken on a central role in the life of the now minister and brother, João Brandão Rodrigues, veterinarian and one of the leading experts in treating and saving donkeys. “ If the mother had said she did not want him to become minister, quite possibly the scales tilt to the downside .”
This may help explain the “great relationship proximity “Tiago Rodrigues Brandão still holds with Caminha and Paredes de Coura, assumes Miguel Alves. The natural connection to the land where grown rooted to the memory that others still keep the father. “Here, he always feels at home. Greets everyone and knows almost everyone by name. By the way, when he comes here, is impossible to be with James just for us . He knows everybody and everybody has a special affection for him. “
The two met during one of the many summer vacation spent at the beach Moledo. From that time, Miguel Alves remembers the endless afternoons playing volleyball and have the “conversations about the most important issues of the world with arrogance” of a kid and “the silliest conversations” with the typical age passion. “For James, the setting of the sun was the saddest moment of those afternoons,” shoots Miguel Alves.
“If the mother had said she did not want him to become minister, quite possibly the scales tilt to the downside.”
Miguel Alves, a childhood friend
The flag Handball Walk Club was extent of summer vacation. In addition to the sands of Moledo, the two also shared a passion for handball. And then you need to pass the ball to Pedro Correia and Carlos Tenodório , teammate and coach Tiago Rodrigues Brandão, respectively. “It was never an elite player. But it was a good teammate and a person you could always count on, “recalls Pedro Correia. The coach helps to compose the profile. “ It was a very committed player and made a great effort to be present .”
So with just over 13/14 years, living in Paredes de Coura, Tiago Brandão Rodrigues was almost 40 kilometers to be able to train and play in Caminha. “Sometimes even asked an aunt who lived in Caminha to stay in her house in order to play with us,” recalls Pedro Correia.
Tiago Brandão Rodrigues was athlete Handball Walk Club
it’s combine handball with karate – the gift of ubiquity that almost all those with him near coexisted extol already there began to be revealed. José Luis Silva , master Tiago Brandão Rodrigues recalls the “very applied niggling” that “stood out among the others all” and “ was bound to grow faster bit “after what happened to his father, confirms the master
José Luis Silva took the opportunity to recall a story that marked particularly:.” As a kid, James made a holiday, I think a visit study, Barcelona. But he had the manliness to send me a Post when he arrived. He remembered me. ” The James eventually come first to the post – “know how communications were at the time …” – but “I still keep that card,” says the master
Never lost touch.. “Some time ago, I went to Lisbon and James made sure to get me. And he said to me: ‘ Do not worry, you will always be my sensei “. This, beyond the Christmas dinner “back home”, where the disciples of Jose Luis Silva joined. – Tiago Brandão Rodrigues, included
After completing the 9th grade in Paredes de Coura, James would by asking the parents to move to move to Braga, to continue their studies. Moved in with college students in a very different environment than was used. There began to notice if a single desire to know other realities.
Karate, ensures José Luis Silva, was instrumental in the formation of the now Minister of personality. “Focus, concentration, respect for others. This is what teaches karate. In addition to traditional values: “Character, honesty, etiquette, effort and control. James always looked at karate as a way of being in life “
Tiago Brandão Rodrigues in the “before” and “after” with the master and fellow karate
. “some time ago, I went to Lisbon and James made sure to get me and told me: ‘Do not worry, you will always be my sensei”
Jose Luis Silva, Tiago Brandão Rodrigues master
Coimbra. The Republic, the associations and the radio
After completing high school in Braga, the young James comes to Coimbra to study Biochemistry at the Faculty of Science and Technology. Despite the requirement of the course, life in the city of students was much more than college-home-home college. “The James lived Coimbra as few ” recalls Miguel Alves, the childhood friend who accompanied him in moving to Coimbra, although they are on opposite poles of academic training – Miguel Alves eventually follow law; . James Brandão Rodrigues Science
The long hours spent in the lab of the Faculty did not prevent him to enjoy all that the city of Coimbra had to offer: lived in the Royal Bota-Below Republic integrated the associative movements agitating the student community, inherited and gave the body to fight against fees imposed by Cavaco Silva, promoted demonstrations, helped close the lock colleges and dropping the former rector of the University of Coimbra Fernando Rebelo. Politically active, never politically-committed to any party. Left and left until libertarian, but always independent, will insist those with him deprived closely.
In a city known for larger gatherings washed down with red wine Carrascon James Brandão Rodrigues never drank. Not by creed or any fanatical obsession. Only by “lack of affinity with alcohol” , even said in an interview with i, soon after added: “Some friends in Coimbra played and said it had been a kind of Obelix, who had fallen after the still was small, and from there did not need. “
Rita Moreira , which followed the adventures of Bota-Below Republic, recalls the” exceptional type “who he shared many “evenings and gatherings” in the Republic. Someone who “carried a great trust, someone with a great sense of mutual help and, above all, a great sense of humor” . The accolades follow one who does not hide that “only have good things to say about” the colleague. “Where is James pulls us up,” now throws the editorial coordinator of the channel 180 (on arts and creativity). An optimist.
In the middle of this coimbrão cauldron, Brandão Rodrigues also experienced the microphones of Radio University of Coimbra (RUC). Passionate about radio, avid consumers of music, helped produce the “polysemy”, a program where they discussed “the great questions of the time,” recalls Eduardo Brito, who shared the studios with the now minister.
“the James was (and is) an extremely intelligent guy, very cultured and a great openness and tolerance,” recalls Eduardo Brito. “Convinced”, “always one to say,” dismounted opponents with large cutouts of humor and rhetorical ability above average.
Many of those who knew him in the days of Coimbra remember, now in on now under anonymity, speeches “memorable” Tiago Brandão Rodrigues in Magnas Meetings of the Academic Association of Coimbra, too conservative stronghold for social ambitions Biochemistry student . “ James, the great rhetorical ability that had had a great ability to generate broad consensus, to mobilize, even when they were fracturing causes ” recalls one of the friends who attended closely to some of those moments .
Beyond the School of the Republic, the associations, the RUC, in the long run who always seems to have the gift to turn “minutes in hours”, there was the cinema and long sessions in old man shopping Avenue and Gil Vicente Academic Theatre, as recalls Eduardo Brito, partner of many sessions. The taste for Italian cinema, in particular, earned him a sort of nickname: “ Nanni Moretti “, named after the director and Italian actor. Not only for the obvious likenesses, but also, and once again, the sense of humor “ sui generis .”
And there was music, always music, fundamental constant in law Tiago Rodrigues Brandão. At 10 or 11 years, he received from parents of a friend – who helped do the homework – two LP: “About a Boy”, Sérgio Godinho and Zeca concert [Alfonso] at the Coliseum , both treated almost as relics, as even confessed in an interview with the newspaper i. The passage of Coimbra and the experimentalism of the RUC cultivated in him a taste for indie , the jazz , the Rock , but the World music . An inexhaustible thirst to know the world, as everyone recognizes them. The next academic steps confirm this vocation. First Madrid, then Dallas and finally Cambridge
in Coimbra, received the nickname “Nanni Moretti”, named after the director and Italian actor. Not only for the obvious likenesses, but also, and once again, the sense of humor “sui generis”
London. Between research and the Olympic Games
In Cambridge, after stints in Madrid and Dallas, Tiago Rodrigues Brandão become it was one of the most renowned researchers in oncology. At the end of 2012, it was the highlight of the Vision magazine, in an article with a significant title:. “ The Portuguese that could revolutionize the diagnosis of cancer ”
The work of the team led Tiago Rodrigues Brandão, the UK Cancer Research, allowed to develop a magnetic resonance imaging which increased the sensitivity of traditional equipment more than ten thousand times. The accuracy of this permit, technique in the future, closely monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatments and, ultimately, detect new cancers.
The highlight and the national and international recognition it has received in this period had echoes also in Paredes de Coura. The son of the soil had sailed. Gracinda Sousa Viana , the teacher who accompanied James Brandão Rodrigues still in elementary, help does not hide the “pride.” “[Tiago] was a brilliant student wants for his intelligence, or by the great capacity for work. [It is] a credit to all who contributed to its formation “, says the Observer.
Eva Serrao , which was part of the team led by Tiago Brandão Rodrigues in Cambridge, do not forget that period. “Tiago is a very positive person, always promoted a celebration of culture and a perspective on the successes of learning in ‘less successful’. It is a very outgoing and social person. Passionate about life, the world and the unknown, always shows an intense thirst for knowledge “, says the Observer.
And the radio, once again, the company ever. “Music, especially radio, is the great passion and company James … No matter what time they were or what was doing the radio was always playing,” assures Eva Serrao.
When he decided to return to Portugal after 16 years in Cambridge, Tiago Brandão Rodrigues hesitated. “ had a permanent contract that would last if things went well, until the rest of my life . I felt a certain moment it had all the degrees of freedom to potentially not accept this challenge. But from a certain point I felt the caring and commitment, it was clear, I had to say yes. I myself had to convince me of that. And I had the happiness of those who are closer have encouraged me, and not have been surprised by this challenge, “he said in an interview with i.
The return to Portugal just happened at the end of 2015. Three years before, far from imagining that would be the next Minister of Education, Tiago Rodrigues Brandão was attaché of the Portuguese delegation to the 2012 Olympic Games , precisely in London. He joined the London embassy, defended the application in writing, at a later stage, was one of three selected for an interview with the heads of mission – Mario Santos (federal leader of canoeing) and Nuno Delgado (Portuguese judoka). The preparation of Tiago Brandão Rodrigues was decisive for the choice, account Mario Santos to the Observer.
“ James immediately impressed us by his intellectual capacity out of the ordinary . He prepared a lot for the interview and had studied all about the Portuguese delegation in order to discuss with us, “recalls the Observer.
The ability to work above the glue-average again as a second skin. “Tiago has a capacity to work off series. He spent nights studying biographies of athletes and regulations to be prepared for the competition ” he says.
In November 2015, Vision gave him an article which told the backstage of “Olympic days the Minister of Education.” Then he realized it was his idea to decorate the walls of the rooms and common rooms of the Portuguese mission with pictures of athletes, so that everyone could feel at home.
added up friends. Rosa Mota, Nuno Delgado, Emanuel Silva and Fernando Pimenta, Telma Monteiro, among others. The passion, kindness and commitment with which they lived those days earned him an affectionate nickname, confirms Mario Santos. “ barely had time to eat and to shave. The James eventually fatten that month and grew a beard “. Hence the nickname “ bear .”
The most memorable moment, this, was that K2 proof of good memory for the Portuguese. The duo Fernando Pimenta and Emanuel Silva won the silver medal – the first for Portugal in these games – having been just 53 thousandths of gold. To view, Tiago Rodrigues Brandão has even confess that could not help the tears. “I cried from the 200 meters to the end of the race. I’m not ashamed to say it. “
The times now are others. Tiago Rodrigues Brandão left London to take on the PS list head paper by Viana do Castelo. Critical taken the previous government, heir to the work of Mariano Gago, was a personal choice of António Costa. He debuted as a deputy and moved to the Government so that the socialist Executive obtained the majority in Parliament . there began the great challenges, this time in an area where Tiago Brandão Rodrigues was not comfortable. – the political board
“we had barely time to eat and to shave. the James eventually fatten that month and grew a beard.” And so came the nickname “Teddy”
The polemics – The resignation of the Secretary of State, the concession agreements and exchange
the choice of Tiago Rodrigues Brandão for education minister immediately caused some strangeness, including socialist means. They pointed his political inexperience, the little knowledge of the real country and the lack of technical field of the area that was preparing to protect. But the first controversy would eventually come up with the dismissal of John Wengorovius Meneses . The then Secretary of State for Sport slammed the door in “deep disagreement with the Minister of Education with regard to the policy for youth and sport, and the way of being in public office” .
This was the official justification Wengorovius Meneses, even after having circulated information on the alleged interference Brandão Rodrigues in his office. PSD and CDS beat up by calling the Education Minister to Parliament to clarify the contours of this resignation, but left alliance did not allow the hearing. This was the first stoned the Education pool.
The last came from the least expected and involves the academic path of Brandão Rodrigues hitherto unassailable. In an interview Saturday, Rui Carvalho, supposedly former advisor of the PhD Minister of Education in Coimbra, accused the investigator of having appropriate illegally almost 18 thousand euros allocated to it by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) .
The case is intricate and involves contradictory versions of the facts. The teacher ensures that yes, Tiago Rodrigues Brandão “committed a crime” after having misappropriated a research grant when he decided to continue his doctoral studies in Dallas. . own FCT, however, says not disclosed any “unlawful clue” and ensures that the entire process was made clear The education minister was quick to refute all charges: refers to “lie” and denies that Rui Carvalho has been his advisor, although there are documents in which the academic appears in that role. The case comes at a time when the end of the association agreements between private schools and the state has generated a huge controversy.
This has been precisely the largest iron arm between Brandão Rodrigues and the opposition, or . some parents associations and private schools with association contracts Sena Nilza , Member of the PSD, does not spare criticism of the minister: “ the perception I have is that the minister is frankly unprepared for and the place is very little humble and boastful , “the social democrat,
” [James Brandão Rodrigues] makes intervention policy and draws the political kill horses, gross. It must be in an aggressive manner. is a blind minister who has no capacity or sensitivity to his place . It is very friendly in the way they interact with the deputies. Show sympathy with those who agree with him, but it takes an extreme position when not agree with him, “accuses Sena Nilza, told the Observer.
The deputy PSD confession still” surprised “the change of SIM now the minister. “In the three weeks I met him as deputy seemed a nice man, easy smile that not make me guess the most boastful tone that came to show . I was surprised by the negative, “he says.
” The perception I have is the minister is frankly unprepared for the place and is very little humble and boastful “
Nilza Sena, Member of PSD
at the Observer, some teachers and school principals who closely negotiated with Tiago Rodrigues Brandão seem to draw a different profile. Speak in a “great progress” from someone who, at least in the initial stage, not fully mastered the files . “See that you do not like to leave anyone without answer, nor is without giving your opinion. It does this without being rude. the beginning to seem intransigent, but this image dissipated “, guarantees anonymity, one of the school principals who worked closely with the minister.
There are still people who point you to “lack of political power to implement measures.” “should be more political,” said a source in the Education sector. “It’s nice, affable, with an easy and convincing speech in relation to the guidelines of the Government program. Has always prompt response, always in line with the Government Programme, “says another source.
On Thursday, James Brandão Rodrigues will be under intense fire from the opposition. Will take it apart with the same shrewdness that it was recognized times of Magna Assembly of Coimbra?
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