The political party BE criticized the state budget for not addressing the key issues facing Portugal. According to a statement sent to Lusa, BE highlighted that the budget fails to increase the meal subsidy, pensions, and salaries, and does not adequately value professionals in the National Health Service and public schools.
BE also pointed out that the budget proposal by the PSD/CDS-PP government reduces taxes on banks, both in corporate tax (IRC) and with the discontinuation of the additional solidarity levy on banking, without providing an alternative solution.
The statement went on to criticize the decision to return 200 million euros to banks, labeling it as a political choice supported by PSD, PS, and Chega, at a time when salaries are not in line with rent costs.
Although BE managed to get some proposals approved, such as a new employment contract model for grant holders and rights concerning menopause, the lone deputy Mariana Mortágua intends to vote against the budget in the final overall vote scheduled for Thursday in the Assembly of the Republic.
Parliamentary leader Pedro Pinto also announced that Chega will vote against the State Budget proposal for 2026.
On October 28, the government’s budget proposal for 2026 was approved in general terms by parliament, receiving affirmative votes from PSD and CDS-PP, and abstentions from PS, PAN, and JPP.
Meanwhile, Chega, IL, Livre, PCP, and BE voted against it.
