Attending the swearing-in ceremony of the XXV Constitutional Government at the Palácio Nacional da Ajuda in Lisbon, André Ventura expressed that although the new government is one of “continuity,” all parties “should give it the benefit of the doubt.”
The leader of Chega agreed with reaching the target of 2% of GDP for Defense this year, emphasizing that if he were in government, he would do the same. However, regarding Luís Montenegro’s comments on immigration and security, he noted that the Prime Minister had made similar statements a year ago, with “practically everything remaining the same” thereafter.
“What I want is to ask the Prime Minister to deliver this time and not repeat the previous year. (…) For once in a lifetime, initiate reforms,” he urged, reiterating Chega’s willingness to cooperate on “serious reforms.”
Regarding President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa’s remarks, who stated that “collective judgment reinforced political confidence” in Luís Montenegro, André Ventura expressed that the Portuguese had not addressed Spinumviva in these elections, noting unresolved issues related to the matter.
“The Prime Minister has a political path to tread but cannot escape ethical scrutiny and transparency issues,” he asserted, reiterating that Chega may propose a parliamentary inquiry commission if the government fails to provide necessary explanations.
Also addressing journalists, IL Vice-President Angélique da Teresa identified several “Liberal Initiative flags” in the Prime Minister’s speech, such as “wealth creation, battling bureaucracy, and reforming the State.”
“We are very pleased to hear these liberal flags. Now, we want it to transition from words to actions, implementing what was said here with courage, rather than just mere propaganda and cosmetic actions,” she challenged.
Regarding Luís Montenegro’s announcement of Portugal speeding up its goal to invest 2% of GDP in Defense, the liberal deputy noted that this target “should have already been met” and that the government is “playing catch-up.”
The IL leader also emphasized the necessity for “effective reform of the State, ensuring its functionality so that it does not fall short in areas where it must be strong.”
Meanwhile, the parliamentary leader of CDS-PP advocated that this government is “a good, solid, and competent government, maintaining the reformist spirit characteristic of the AD and of the two parties forming the coalition, PSD and CDS.”
Paulo Núncio highlighted that the “choice of an Adjunct Minister for State Reform shows AD’s priority for reforming and modernizing the State and adamantly combating bureaucracy.”
Noting that “this reform must involve all parties,” the CDS-PP deputy anticipated that the government “will have the capacity for dialogue and openness” to achieve this.
