By Order of the Portuguese Minister of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security and pursuant to Article 2, of Ordinance No. 594/2007, of May 17, the Social Security Medal of Honour was awarded to Manuel Carvalho da Silva, researcher of the Centre for Social Studies and coordinator of the Observatory on Crises and Alternatives, in recognition of the continuation of relevant activities within the scope of the social security system.

This distinction is an acknowledgement of the work carried out throughout his career, as a union leader, member of the Economic and Social Council and the Standing Committee on Social Concertation, researcher and academic in the social area, and author of numerous books and articles of relevant technical and prospective scope.

In addition, the Portuguese Minister of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security  intends to emphasise his indelible contribution to the permanent debate of ideas in Portugal on inequalities, poverty and social rights, intergenerational solidarity and reforms, problems and solutions for Social Security, social justice and innovation, as well as his commitment and persistence in the social dialogue, in the struggle for the transformation of social reality and in laying down challenges to public policies.