“We have identified numerous errors in the State Budget, yet these are not clerical or transcription errors; they are political errors concerning the country’s future,” stated Sebastião Santana at a press conference in Lisbon.
“We understand that the Government leans to the right, but we also know the path that ensures the protection of public services and the appreciation of public work,” he added.
The union leader further criticized the executive for postponing meetings with union structures before the submission of the OE2026 to the Assembly of the Republic, noting that the next meeting is scheduled for October 15.
When asked if he believes there might still be changes to the budget proposal, Sebastião Santana expressed low expectations. “If we were expecting major changes, we wouldn’t have scheduled the strike for the 24th. This Government has shown significant negotiating intransigence. It arrives with a proposal and leaves with one very little different,” he remarked.
The Common Front coordinator emphasized that the general strike of public service, set for October 24, would be “the necessary response to this budgetary policy” and “crucial to force the Government to change course.”
“Workers will combat this policy. The Government has room to correct the measures, but lacks the will,” he affirmed.
Among the demands of the Common Front, Sebastião Santana highlighted a 15% salary increase for all workers, with a minimum of 150 euros, the repeal of the performance evaluation system, and the guarantee of a public appointment bond.
“These are essential measures to value work and curb the precariousness, which continues to worsen in public administration,” he stated.
The leader also recalled that the union structure proposed a meal allowance of 12 euros and the update of per diems and the payment of overtime, matters that, according to him, “the Government refuses to review.”
“The meal allowance is not our priority, but it is an issue that needs addressing. The per diems have been frozen for more than 15 years, and that also devalues work,” he noted.
Sebastião Santana further considered that the Government “fails to ensure conditions to attract and retain workers in the State,” warning of staff shortages in various public services.
“It is not possible to continue working in public administration with extremely low salaries, a system of evaluation that hinders progressions, and growing precariousness,” he said.
The union coordinator concluded by saying that the OE2026 “does not address the needs of the population nor those working in public services.” “This is a budget that deepens inequalities and weakens the State. That is why workers will fight,” he concluded.
The executive submitted the OE2026 on Thursday, just before the deadline and three days ahead of Sunday’s municipal elections.
In the macroeconomic scenario, the PSD/CDS-PP Government forecasts a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 2% this year and 2.3% in 2026. The executive aims to achieve surpluses of 0.3% of GDP in 2025 and 0.1% in 2026.
The proposal will be discussed and voted on in general terms between October 27 and 28. The final global vote is scheduled for November 27, following the detailed debate process.
