These days, on the threshold of a new year, I feel we are all allowed to dream freely, with no restrictions whatsoever. Personally, I dream of a country with less poverty, less hunger, less intolerance, less corruption. I dream of State policies that encourage public education at all levels and aim at reducing school dropout. I dream of a State that takes full care of children and the elderly. I dream of a labour market overflowing with job openings. I dream of sensitive politicians who never lose touch with the common people and their basic needs. I dream of fully equipped public hospitals, of decent salaries for teachers, of equal opportunities for women at all levels. Too naïve? Maybe, but, as I´ve said, whenever we´re about to open a new year, we have a right to dream big, against all odds.