During a televised debate on RTP, the first topic tackled by the two presidential candidates was the labor package proposed by the Government, following a general strike called by UGT and CGTP. Catarina Martins argued that the government placed itself in a “dead end,” “is in the hands of Chega” and should withdraw the proposal. She challenged Marques Mendes: “I heard you have reservations about this labor package, what would you change?”
In his response, the presidential candidate backed by PSD and CDS chose not to specify changes to the law, asserting that a would-be President of the Republic “should not meddle in a negotiation,” while taking a jab at Catarina Martins.
“No one knows who will win or lose an election – we must be humble in this regard – but from a probabilistic standpoint, it is unlikely that Catarina Martins will be elected President of the Republic, while there is some probability of me being elected,” he stated.
Marques Mendes then offered two suggestions to help “unblock” negotiations between the Government and unions regarding the labor package. He advocated for a broader agreement, encompassing issues such as salaries, income policy, potentially tax, and professional training. He emphasized the need to establish how productivity gains would be utilized.
Avoiding direct comment on Marques Mendes’s suggestions, Catarina Martins argued that the labor package is “a regime issue” that greatly weakens workers, implying that presidential candidates should take a clear stance on the matter. She questioned Marques Mendes’s independence from the current government.
“I believe the election of a President of the Republic poses a risk – not necessarily due to party alignment, but due to a broader ideological alignment – if they are closely aligned with the Government and unclear about what they would do if the Government tries to impose what it aims to impose, which is a widespread reduction in salaries,” she accused.
Responding to these criticisms, Marques Mendes urged Catarina Martins to abandon “false moralities and moral superiority,” arguing that everyone desires the best for the country. He declared himself the candidate of “stability and ambition,” recalling the 2021 State Budget rejection, which led to the end of the ‘geringonça’ and the downfall of António Costa’s Government, accusing Catarina Martins of instigating instability.
“In 2022, Catarina Martins triggered a political crisis, thrusting the country into instability. (…) Thus, someone aspiring to be President of the Republic has an insurmountable stumbling block. While discussing stability, she provoked crisis and instability when the time came,” he accused.
