These are some of the topics in José Luís Carneiro’s motion for his candidacy as Secretary-General of the PS, the only one so far, ideas outlined today and confirmed to the Lusa news agency ahead of its official presentation.
The motion is described as “evolving with the goal of gathering contributions from Portuguese society,” with the socialist leader aiming to “rethink the PS and its relationship with the country.”
A reflection based on “listening to and giving voice to people” will also be launched.
Carneiro also expresses willingness for “democratic consensus” in five areas of sovereignty where he believes such consensus should naturally exist: foreign and European policy, defense, security, justice, and state organization.
Regarding defense, the PS leadership candidate states that “military-industrial capacity building should be a strategic state initiative, guiding defense investment needs towards economic, technological, and social development, promoting national strategic autonomy, and actively integrating the country into common European security and defense efforts.”
“The PS seeks effective yet humanistic security. It is important to ensure policing functions of patrol and proximity, according to priorities established at the level of Local Security Councils,” he notes on the topic of security.
Concerning justice, given the country’s challenges in this area, José Luís Carneiro calls for “a comprehensive reflection by all stakeholders” to achieve a “Commitment for Justice.”
The PS also advocates for an electoral reform beginning with local authorities, strengthening their parliamentarism and allowing for more functional executives, while making it clear that “constitutional revision is not a priority for the PS.”
The candidate for PS leadership proposes a “Portugal Agenda” organized according to the main areas of governance, the PS Declaration of Principles, and aligned with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
“The PS rejects the privatization of health, the commodification of pensions, and the de-budgeting of public schools,” he emphasizes, calling for “sustainable growth of the economy and incomes, based on ‘accurate accounts.'”
The candidate highlights the qualification of employment, dignity of work, or a “great National Pact for Housing” as other goals, aiming to lead “political proposals in the field of environmental protection and regeneration and climate action” and to improve democracy quality and fight against corruption.
He also advocates for “increased resources for security forces and civil protection. Security is one of the country’s main assets, and we cannot afford to lose it,” he asserts.
The former minister calls for enhanced national capacity to welcome and integrate migrant workers needed by the country.
