The Prime Minister pledged today that the next State Budget will include an increase in the Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly (CSI) and, if there is leeway, a mid-year bonus for the lowest pensions.
During the presentation of Rui Sampaio’s candidacy for the Municipal Chamber of Góis (Coimbra), PSD President Luís Montenegro addressed pensioners and retirees, highlighting that under his government, the reference value for the allocation of the CSI has already risen twice and will rise a third time next year.
“When we came to government, it was roughly 550 euros; we increased it first to 600, then to 630, and by October 10, the country will know how much we propose to increase for next year,” he stated, referring to the date of submission of the 2026 State Budget, coinciding with the last day of the local election campaign.
Furthermore, he committed to a new supplement for the lowest pensions “if, mid-year, the budget execution reveals sufficient balance and leeway”.
“We will return part of what we are saving to those who are retired and have lower pensions,” he assured.
Montenegro emphasized that his government also eliminated, for CSI allocation purposes, the consideration of children’s income, describing it as “a great injustice.”
“As a result, today, approximately twice as many Portuguese with low pensions are benefiting from this solidarity supplement for the elderly,” he highlighted.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of having balanced public accounts to enable the country to access more external financing for investments like school refurbishment or affordable housing construction at a low interest rate.
“Why do they give us that credit, first to lend and then to lend at a low interest rate? Because we have our accounts in order. Because we are trustworthy. Because we are reliable, we have a better economic-financial situation than the major economies of Europe. All of them, all,” he stressed.
Montenegro explained government measures for housing once more, specifically the maximum rent cap for moderate rents at 2,300 euros, emphasizing that “it is not an average rent,” but the limit for granting tax benefits to construction.
“I know it won’t be very easy to explain this, and it is my obligation, and I do not mind that at all, on the contrary. I’m here for that; I almost feel like saying, that’s what I’m paid for. It’s for deciding, making good decisions, and explaining,” he emphasized.
The PSD leader further emphasized the importance of mayors in delivering the government’s measures to the people.
“No matter how good the government is—and I could say this one is very good—the Government will not succeed; it will not be able to transform its intervention and decision into greater well-being and quality of life if, in the territory, the parish council presidents, the members of parish assemblies, and then the municipal council presidents do not collaborate and also embody these values and principles,” he said, expressing confidence in Rui Sampaio’s re-election in Góis.
