Measures package signals a new stage in the State reform

The Council of Ministers meeting of 9 April approved a package of structural measures that signals a new stage in the State reform, focused on revising financial control and accelerating decision-making, as well as boosting the support to the economy given the rising energy costs.

The new law on the Court of Auditors’ financial control and organisation presented is one of the most relevant reforms in Public Administration. The aim is to cut red tape and shorten the time between the identification of problems and the execution of solutions, bringing Portugal closer to European practices.

When presenting the measures, the Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro stressed the need for greater swiftness in public action. "For the State to do what the Portuguese people most ask for: make decisions and be able to execute them".

The reform also redefines the role of the Court of Auditors, focusing it on the control of financial legality and distancing it from interventions in matters of public policy.

The Government also approved the creation of the Portugal Energy Resilience Facility in the sum of 600 million euros to support companies more exposed to the rising energy costs. Through the Development Bank, the State assures public guarantees on funding, covering 70% of the capital of medium and large-sized enterprises and 80% of the capital in the remainder, enabling more advantageous funding conditions.

The measure arises in an international context beset by inflationist pressure and a rise in energy costs, with a direct impact on cost of life, following on from other measures adopted, including support on fuels, gas bottles for vulnerable households and the farming sector.

"We are acting at the right time in a balanced and decisive manner", claimed the Minister, framing the measures in response to the international crisis.

In the area of health, two bills were approved that seek greater control of public expenditure, estimated at around 7 million euros in medication and medical devices. The revision of the medication status eliminated a non-clinical reasoning that allows dispensing generic formulations, fostering their use and reducing costs for households and the State.

At the same time, the amendment to the Health Technologies Assessment System reinforces exigency, transparency and results-based assessment, guaranteeing equal access to innovative treatments and fighting waste.

On a social level, the increase in the funeral subsidy for children and persons with full and permanent incapacity was approved, rising from around 268 euros to 1 611 euros, eliminating a restriction associated with career contributions.

The Council of Ministers also approved the simplification of the scheme to issue commercial papers by companies, reducing administrative burdens and setting up alternatives to bank financing, as well as changes to the rules, the scheme and the legal framework for Metropolitano de Lisboa, broadening its scope of intervention and enabling new collective transportation solutions.