During a visit to the collaborative digital transformation lab (DTX) at the Azurém Campus of the University of Minho, in Guimarães, José Luís Carneiro called for the “sense of responsibility” from right-wing parties regarding the international reality and the commitments made by the country to increase investment in Defense.
“We, the Socialist Party, want to support the country’s efforts to meet and honor its international commitments. We also have the duty to alert those in positions of majority that the international reality challenges us all to maintain a great sense of responsibility,” stated the candidate for the PS leadership.
José Luís Carneiro mentioned that “public accounts in order” means “the confidence of international investors, who are essential to capitalize the national economy and companies.”
Regarding a potential constitutional revision, the sole candidate for the leadership of the PS reiterated that it “is not a political priority” for the party or the country, adding that “the Portuguese are concerned with the political and economic framework.”
José Luís Carneiro warned about forecasts in the European Union, which predict “a loss of about one-third of Europe’s GDP, the European wealth” for this year, with a “reduction in economic growth by about half” expected for 2026.
“This will inevitably have consequences for our economy and our exports because about 75% of our sales are to the European area,” warned the only candidate for the PS party leader so far.
Additionally, according to José Luís Carneiro, Portugal’s commitment in the Defense area “means an additional investment of over 1,280 million euros.”
“We must all be aware that this economic framework also entails additional public expenditure related to the State having to keep up with European and Atlantic efforts to boost Defense investment. We need to fulfill the 2% Defense investment commitment this year,” the socialist noted.
According to José Luís Carneiro, to face this international scenario and fulfill external commitments, it is essential for the Portuguese economy to grow and create wealth.
“The Portuguese economy has to continue to grow and create wealth. And it can only continue to grow and create wealth if it manages to undergo a technological innovation shock, adding high-value technological integration. We must ensure that our economy can diversify and be supported by knowledge, creativity, innovation, and expertise. It is necessary for Portugal to maintain investment in science and knowledge as one of its main priorities,” advocated José Luís Carneiro.
Using the collaborative digital transformation lab of the University of Minho as an example of excellent technological work in the country, the candidate for PS party leader argued that the knowledge produced there should then be applied in various State sectors, including Defense, Security, Communications, or Energy.
“Seeking to promote sustainable economic growth based on knowledge, research, and innovation. It is important for Portugal to place investment in science, research, knowledge, and the transfer of this knowledge to the productive, business, and social fabric as one of its main public investment priorities,” emphasized José Luís Carneiro.
