Solving the people’s problems and transforming Portugal

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro claimed that the Government "has a clear path: resolver solving the Portuguese people’s problems and transforming Portugal". This, he stressed, is "the essence behind the governing programme the people entrusted us and reinforced".

When presenting the Government Programme in Parliament, the Prime Minister noted the Transforming Agenda, a structural part of the Programme, which "reflects our reformist vision" and identifies "the priorities and central reforms to undertake in the coming four years".

Ten reforms to transform Portugal

The Transforming Agenda is based on ten axes/lines:

1. An income policy that values work, merit, and social justice

2. A profound State reform and war on bureaucracy

3. The generation of wealth based on economic growth and increase in value added

4. A regulated and humane immigration policy

5. Essential services accessible to all, with quality and combined among the public, private, and social sectors

6. Safety and security closer to the people, swifter justice, and fighting corruption

7. A determined response to the housing crisis, on a national level

8. Launching new infrastructure that takes the country into the future

9. The "Água que Une" [Water than Unites] programme, to guarantee water security and environmental sustainability

10. Boosting investment in defence in line with the international agreements and enhancing national industry.

Implementing this agenda, he claimed, will "transform Portugal into a stronger, more modern, more agile, closer and reliable country, bringing it closer to the more developed European countries".

State reform and taxation

To achieve this transformation, it is necessary, as the Prime Minister stated, to "break away from inertia and take down the obstacles to our economy and our society’s proper functioning", stressing the burden of red tape on the State’s running.

"We are declaring war on bureaucracy", he stated, underlining that the public administration’s reform will be guided by four principles: simplification, digitalisation, articulation, and accountability.

At the same time, the tax reform will move forward by cutting taxes on work income, a "demand brought on through social justice and economic rationale". The Government will cut 500 million euros on income tax in 2025 already, up to the 8th tax bracket, benefiting above all those with lower incomes and the middle classes.

Safety and immigration through control and efficiency

Stating internal security as a pillar for freedom and prosperity, the Government envisages that around new GNR and PSP operatives will begin their positions this year. Competitions to train 600 guards and 800 agents are also expected.

In terms of migration policy, the Executive will approve in the coming weeks the revision of the Law on Citizenship and the Law on Foreigners with an impact on limiting access to family regrouping, simplifying repatriations, and setting up a new borders and immigration unit within law enforcement.

International commitments and stability

In defence, Portugal commits to reaching in 2025 the target of % of GDP in defence investment, promoting the national industry and contributing to economic growth, balancing public accounts, and preserving social functions. The Government will also maintain its support of Ukraine.

Luís Montenegro also stressed that political stability is a shared responsibility: "It is a common good, to be protected by the majority that supports the Government and the different oppositions".

The Government undertakes to complete the four-year term with "democratic humbleness and motivation for constructive dialogue". The Programme includes 80 proposals put forward by the parties in Parliament.

He concluded by saying: "It is up to the Government to execute the programme chosen by the people. It is up to the opposition to show a sense of State for loyal and constructive bargaining."