The debate on the State Budget proposal for 2026 began with discussions on amendments related to pensions.
Chega party’s Rui Afonso proposed a 1.5% pension increase, calling it “intergenerational justice.” He argued that a developed country should not condemn those who contributed to its growth to poverty.
Afonso criticized the PS and PSD for decades of governance leading to current issues, citing empty promises and insufficient pension increases, while funds were allocated to other areas.
Rui Afonso urged other parties to support their proposal with conscience, aiming to correct structural injustice without focusing on party labels.
Social Democrat Carla Barros stated that Chega’s and PS’s proposals lacked financial sustainability. She highlighted contradictions in the PS’s approach to pension supplements, accusing them of tax burdens.
PS’s Miguel Cabrita argued for pension increases that maintain structural margins, potentially lowering IRC as needed.
Another topic was the proposed shift of IUC payment month to February, which the Government claims aims to simplify and standardize the process.
State Secretary for Fiscal Affairs Cláudia Reis Duarte assured this change would not increase tax burdens, correcting misinformation on the matter, following explanations from the Finance Minister earlier this month.
