Even on his birthday, José Luís Carneiro continued his campaign for the local elections. Coming from Madeira and the Azores, he started the day with a presentation session in Lourinhã, Lisbon district, during which he addressed the State Budget proposal for 2026 (OE2026) approved by the government on Friday.
“No one wants a political crisis, yet another political crisis in the country, and we want to contribute to ensuring political stability, but we will not fail to evaluate very clearly and concretely the Budget proposal that will be presented in the Assembly of the Republic,” he stated.
The PS leader assured that the party would stand “with those who presented proposals in the Assembly of the Republic for valuing minimum pensions.”
“And among them, particularly, the special regime for those who worked in agriculture and who, often having started at such young ages, did not have contributory careers that allow them to have a pension for a minimally dignified life. These people will receive very special attention from us,” he pledged.
Carneiro also called for “the utmost attention” from Prime Minister Luís Montenegro regarding an issue related to OE2026.
“In light of the initial analysis we conducted on the measures made public, it is clear that for the lowest pensions, which correspond to about 520 euros per month, excluding the elderly solidarity supplement, these pensions will face losses during 2026,” he warned.
From the PS leader’s perspective, what is needed is “to increase minimum pensions in a structural and lasting way and not, on the contrary, to lower minimum pensions.”
Carneiro emphasized in his speech the significance of agriculture and fisheries, which “currently represent about 2% of national wealth.”
“In terms of this wealth derived from agriculture, Lourinhã is one of the municipalities that contribute the most,” he praised.
The PS leader cited the production of ‘pera rocha’ and considered himself “a regular consumer” of this fruit.
“But ‘pera rocha’ is just one of the contributions that Lourinhã makes to agriculture in our country. It makes a very important contribution in sectors that have a value that can significantly contribute to the creation of wealth, life opportunities, and a future for younger generations,” he stressed.
One of the examples cited by the socialist was the local brandy, “now classified as one of the few certified brandies in the country, which is a true cognac.”
“And I wanted to say that, when a doctor said it’s better than the cognac from the French region, then it’s really a remedy that’s good for health,” he joked.
Carneiro was twice sung Happy Birthday, first during the speech of one of the speakers and then at the end of the interventions, with a cake waiting for him. He was also given a bottle as a present.
