In the context of a campaign event for the September 12 municipal elections in Vila Nova de Gaia, where Livre and BE are running together with a list led by João Martins, Rui Tavares was questioned about the report from the Commission for Equality in Work and Employment (CITE).
The leader of Livre stated that “all situations concerning workers’ rights” are a concern for Livre, criticizing the government for aiming to further suppress these rights.
“We are in a situation of full employment, with the economy still growing. At this moment, we should be focusing on enhancing labor value because this is the time for workers to secure better conditions. Only with better working conditions in Portugal can we have an attractive economy,” he argued.
Continuing his criticism of the PSD/CDS-PP executive and highlighting the “obsession” of the Liberal Initiative (IL) with civil servants and Chega’s focus on immigrants, Tavares noted that Portugal needs workers “all rowing in the same direction.”
Marisa Matias also noted that “the data remains concerning” and that measures must be implemented to prevent deterioration.
“I am worried that the government’s most recent proposals, which are still up for discussion, suggest extensive changes to labor law, but unfortunately all in the direction of reducing worker protection and rights,” she criticized, referring to the PSD/CDS-PP’s preliminary project entitled “Work XXI.”
Answering questions on whether the party fears criticism in this field due to recent involvement in a dismissal controversy in 2022 affecting women who were recent mothers, Marisa Matias stated she is “prepared for all debates.”
“I am not, and never will be, willing to draw comparisons between incomparable things. The path must always be, and that is the path the Bloco pursues, to increase protection and ensure we reach equality, sooner rather than later, though we aim to reach it sooner,” she added.
During this campaign event, Rui Tavares and Marisa Matias took a short walk between the Santo Ovídio and João de Deus metro stations, purchasing some fruit along the way.
Marisa Matias picked up a banana and helped Rui Tavares bag some grapes, showcasing cooperation between coalition partners.
The two leaders engaged with a few people they encountered, including Mr. Terrinha, who wanted to give “oxygen” to the Livre and BE campaign before the group proceeded on their way.
