The Plateia – Professional Association of Performing Arts, in a statement released today, voiced concerns that the “loss of ministerial autonomy is a step back compared to previous governments and could weaken an already fragile sector.”
“We hope that this decision does not signify a setback in cultural policies and investment in the sector,” stated the association, expressing its “willingness to engage in dialogue with the new minister to ensure cultural rights and the democratization of culture, at a time when there is still much to be done.”
Plateia emphasized “the importance of increased funding for arts support, revising the Cultural Professionals’ Statute, and tackling job insecurity in the Culture sector.”
The portfolios of Culture, Youth, and Sports will now be led by lawyer Margarida Balseiro Lopes, previously serving as the Minister of Youth and Modernization.
The management of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) in cultural heritage and digital transition areas, the Patronage Law, the Fixed Book Price Law, and the new Audiovisual and Cinema Industry Financing Program, currently in public consultation, are now part of the minister’s responsibilities in the XXV Constitutional Government.
The oversight of the Directorate-General for the Arts, with its support programs that ensure funding for artistic structures and events nationwide, is another responsibility transferred to the new ministry.
The former deputy Balseiro Lopes, a vice-president of the PSD and lead candidate for Leiria in the May 18 legislative elections, is closely associated with Luís Montenegro and has managed sensitive issues such as racism and sexual discrimination.
During her tenure, Balseiro Lopes maintained the main political lines in these matters, often staying away from controversies, focusing her discourse on digital transition and modernization of the country’s administrative framework, with a strengthening of the Citizen Store network, strategies for childhood and youth, and combating poverty.
The designated Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, introduced his second government on Wednesday, consisting of 16 ministries, one less than the previous cabinet, retaining 13 of the 17 ministers from the outgoing executive.
The inauguration of the XXV Constitutional Government is scheduled for today at 6:00 PM, 18 days after the elections, marking the fastest government formation process during Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa’s presidential terms.
