At the ceremony for the Government to take office held on 5 June 2025 at Ajuda National Palace in Lisbon, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro presented the priorities for his upcoming term, stressing the commitment to economic growth, State reform, political stability, and valuing work.

"This is the goal that guides us: to solve the people’s problems and transform Portugal to improve everyone’s life", the Prime Ministers stated at the start of his speech.

Generate wealth to fight poverty

Luís Montenegro claimed that fighting poverty is only possible by generating wealth.

"You can only fight poverty by creating wealth. This wealth will fund the Social Sate, foster social mobility, and ensure citizens’ fundamental rights".

The economy’s growth is thereby the Government’s number one ambition: "Through growth we can reach our supreme goal: the Portuguese people’s well-being."

State reform towards a more agile country

The Prime Minister waged "war on bureaucracy" and announced that the State reform is to be made.

"We will simplify procedures, cut red tape and make the State more efficient, more agile, closer to the people."

A new Ministry was set up directly under the Prime Minister to lead this transformation. The aim is clear: free up resources, improve wages, and offer better public services.

"We are talking about economic competitiveness, yet also citizenship."

More tax justice and rewarding merit

The Government reiterated its commitment to reduce taxes on work and rewarding merit.

"We want a society where working is more worth it than not working." 

This choice, the Prime Minister claimed, was voted on by the Portuguese.

"Those who need our solidarity should match this with their civic commitment. Only then can we have true social justice."

Regulated immigration and taking in with rules

Luís Montenegro advocated a responsible, regulated, and humane migration policy: "We will welcome with open arms those who come to work, add value, respect our culture and our habits. But not complying with this will have consequences."

The Government will:

• Set up a new Borders and Immigration Unit within the PSP

• Reinforce repatriation mechanisms

• Increase the exigency in granting Portuguese nationality.

He stressed that safety is a pillar of freedom, tranquillity, and also economic competitiveness. "Portugal is a safe country and preserving that is worth pure gold."

Investing in Defence and Portugal’s role in the world

The Prime Minister announced the intention to bring the goal of investing 2% of GDP in Defence forward to 2025, aligning Portugal with the commitments undertaken within NATO. "We shall do that without jeopardising balanced accounts or the State’s social functions."

Portugal will continue to support Ukraine, boosting its presence in the CPLP, and promoting Portuguese as an official UN language. It is also focused on its application to the UN Security Council for 2027-2028.

"We want to strengthen cultural, political and human ties with the Portuguese communities and Portuguese descendants. They are the exponent of our "Portugality" and our country’s universal vocation."

Political stability and constructive spirit

Luís Montenegro thanked the President of the Republic for the institutional cooperation and noted the result of the 18 May elections, which boosted trust in his political project.

"We are welcoming this trust with a sense of responsibility. And we will listen humbly to the trust given to the opposition, seeking to find the convergence the Portuguese people are asking for."

"Political stability is everyone’s task. From all, loyalty, dialogue, maturity, and a constructive spirit are requested."

Portugal with courage, vision, and execution

The Prime Minister wrapped up by calling for action and collective responsibility, rejecting distractions "petty squabbles and palace controversy will not be how we can overcome adversity."

"We will build the Portugal we desire with vision, capacity to commit, courage to decide and execute."

And he concluded thus: "Let’s get to work. For the future. For the Portuguese families."