At the commencement of the debate on the XXV Constitutional Government’s program in parliament, immigration emerged as the central theme, with Chega deputy Rui Paulo Sousa accusing the Government of upholding a superficial policy in this realm.
“Portugal continues to be a country with wide-open doors where crime enters at will,” he alleged.
In a clarification request, PSD deputy Andreia Neto questioned whether Chega would support one of the Government’s proposed measures: the creation of the Foreigners and Borders Unit within the PSP, previously rejected by votes from the Chega and PS benches in the last legislature.
“Chega claims to be the legitimate leader of the opposition: leading the opposition requires a lot of responsibility, and in the past, you were not up to it,” criticized the deputy.
Responding, Rui Paulo Sousa justified Chega’s opposition to the establishment of this unit within the PSP unless it is accompanied by an increase in resources.
“If you are willing to create a new Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) with adequate resources, we are willing to support it, not just to give a good impression,” he stated.
Subsequently, in a substantial intervention, PSD deputy Cristóvão Norte argued that although Portugal remains a safe country, this value must continue to be upheld as a “foremost moral imperative.”
The candidate for Faro City Council also addressed immigration, noting that the number of foreign citizens has quadrupled over eight years, warning that some sectors of the economy would not function without immigrants and that Social Security “would be much worse” without them.
“We promote tolerance, humanity, and dignity. Therefore, not everyone who wishes can enter, and those we receive must be treated impeccably, without discrimination,” he advocated.
Chega’s clarification request was made by newcomer deputy Ricardo Reis, who cited the AD campaign anthem — “Let Luís work” — to critique the current Government.
“Will you prioritize the youth over those coming from outside, or must the youth take Luís and kick him out?” he questioned, a remark deemed “disrespectful” to the prime minister by parliamentary president José Pedro Aguiar-Branco.
In another clarification request, PS deputy João Torres emphasized that “there is no substantiated correlation between immigration and increased crime” and urged that the subject of security not be politicized.
“Security is not a banner, not a value exclusive to the right; on the left, we also view security as an absolute priority. Stop claiming the issue as if it belongs to AD or Chega,” he appealed.
