The Socialist Party (PS) commenced a five-day series of sessions today, focusing initially on housing and the National Health Service (SNS), as they work towards updating their electoral program called the Manifesto Legislativas 2025. This manifesto will form the basis of their campaign for the snap elections scheduled for May 18.
In a session scheduled for Thursday afternoon that focuses on the economy, prominent participation is expected from Elisa Ferreira, a former European Commissioner, member of European Parliament, vice-governor of the Bank of Portugal, and Minister of Environment and Planning.
The morning session will address “Work, Salaries, and Social Security,” featuring contributions from former Socialist Minister José António Vieira da Silva and ex-Secretary of State Miguel Cabrita.
Other notable contributors to the panel on labor issues include Carlos Farinha from ISEG, Renato Carmo from ISCTE, Ana Paula Bernardo of the PS, Fernando Gomes from the CGTP Socialist Union Stream, and Mário Mourão from the UGT Union Trend.
In the afternoon, Elisa Ferreira will be joined by a broad group of personalities to discuss “Transforming Economy,” including economists Ricardo Paes Mamede and José Reis.
Former Secretary of State for the Economy João Neves, previous AICEP President Filipe Santos Costa, and former Secretaries of State João Torres and Nuno Fazenda are also expected to attend.
The economic discussion will further feature César Araújo, President of the National Association of Clothing Manufacturers of Portugal, Luis Vieira, President of ANCAVE, and Mário Jorge Machado, President of the Textile and Garment Association of Portugal.
Today marked the kick-off of the PS’s sectoral sessions to revamp their legislative program with debates focusing on housing and health.
For the duration of five days, the PS national headquarters will host a series of sectoral sessions where socialists, former officials, specialists, and independents will engage in debates and provide input for the Manifesto Legislativas 2025, the centerpiece for their campaign in the May 18 snap elections.
A socialist source disclosed that former European Commissioner António Vitorino, mentioned as a potential presidential candidate, is invited to take part in Friday’s session on “International Relations, Europe, and Defense.”
These sectoral sessions are not open to the media; however, initial remarks by PS leader Pedro Nuno Santos will be accessible, according to official party sources.
