The PS and Chega parties convened with Prime Minister Luís Montenegro in São Bento to prepare for Portugal’s participation in the upcoming NATO Summit and discuss enhancements in Defense. The PS emphasized the need for “effort” and a “more precise reading” of investment impacts in the sector, while Chega stressed “pragmatism” and urged a swift decision.
After Wednesday’s meeting, PS leader Carlos César acknowledged the “emergency we are facing in Europe” and emphasized the importance of aiming for 2% of national defense spending this year, despite it originally being slated for 2025.
Speaking to journalists at the official residence of the prime minister in Lisbon, César, accompanied by PS leadership candidate José Luís Carneiro, underlined the importance of the 45-minute meeting with Montenegro ahead of the NATO summit commencing in The Hague, Netherlands, on the 24th and 25th.
César conveyed to the executive that ramping up defense investment should not undermine the social state or fiscal sustainability. Despite the difficulty, Portugal must demonstrate to international partners its commitment to this objective.
Chega leader André Ventura affirmed the government’s reliance on “pragmatism and responsibility” concerning defense matters, advocating for greater EU autonomy in this area.
Ventura stated, “[The Government] can rely on Chega for pragmatism, responsibility, and quick decision-making, as this area demands rapid action, given our lag in required efforts,” while declining to politicize or disclose details of the government’s plan to reach the 2% GDP defense expenditure targeted this year, which was initially set for 2029.
The Prime Minister reiterated that increasing defense investment would not destabilize public finances or social spending and expressed openness to contributions from the opposition, especially major parliamentary groups.
