“We face very powerful forces, we face an economic power that controls political power”, explained the candidate backed by the PCP, during a speech at the conclusion of a dinner with supporters in Viseu.
António Filipe highlighted that the Portuguese Firefighters League has been advocating for years for professional status for firefighters in humanitarian associations, which would cost 150 million euros per year.
“That is much less than the revenue the Government is forgoing with the tax break in corporate income tax, which will only benefit very large companies,” he emphasized.
The presidential candidate expressed regret that, “between benefiting large companies with corporate tax breaks” or “granting professional status to the 25,000 firefighters working in humanitarian associations,” the Government has favored the former.
“When there are catastrophes, during fire seasons, they make grand speeches, it seems like they carry the firefighters on their shoulders. But when they have to choose, they side with the large companies and leave the firefighters without the professional status they so deserve“, he criticized.
António Filipe considered that “the four right-wing parties (PSD, CDS-PP, Chega, and Iniciativa Liberal) are united in what is essential for big capital”.
“Look at this labor package and what it represents, and you will see that they may say one thing or another, but the right-wing parties will be united” in its defense, “slandering the workers’ struggle and trying to sabotage the general strike on the upcoming 11th,” he stated.
The presidential candidate expressed his “total solidarity” with the workers planning to strike, emphasizing the need to combat right-wing policies.
In addition to António Filipe (supported by the PCP), those who announced their candidacies include Luís Marques Mendes (supported by PSD and CDS-PP), António José Seguro (supported by PS), André Ventura (supported by Chega), Henrique Gouveia e Melo, Catarina Martins (supported by BE), João Cotrim Figueiredo (supported by Iniciativa Liberal), and Jorge Pinto (supported by Livre), among others.
