Luís Montenegro, speaking at a luncheon with mayors from the Lisbon district, discussed the approval of the immigration law, voted in favor by PSD, CDS-PP, Chega, IL, and JPP, and opposed by PS, Livre, PCP, BE, and PAN.
During the specialized voting, all amendments proposed by the coalition supporting the Government (PSD and CDS-PP) were approved, as well as one proposal from PS and three from Chega.
“We approved proposals from the two largest opposition parties, proposals that need acknowledgment as positive contributions,” Montenegro stated.
The Prime Minister highlighted that, although proposals from Chega and PS were approved, these two parties did not vote uniformly on the legislation.
“It’s a sign of the times: in the previous legislature, they collaborated against the Government; now, they hesitate to collaborate with the Government for the country’s benefit,” he remarked.
Stating he doesn’t wish to interfere in party strategies, the Prime Minister reiterated: “One thing they can’t say is that the majority parties didn’t collaborate with everyone and didn’t approve measures they found positive.”
Montenegro defended the Government’s immigration policy and criticized the handling of the issue by both political agents and the media.
“In the streets, beyond all the political ‘show-off’ and media hype often amplified by political parties more focused on conflict, what I’ve found is that those who come to Portugal for good…are the first to say: you are on the right track, continue this policy because it benefits Portugal, Portuguese people, and immigrants,” he reiterated, echoing a message from the previous evening in Amadora.
During a luncheon with all mayors from the Lisbon district, which only independents Isaltino Morais (Oeiras) and Sérgio Galvão (Torres Vedras) missed, Montenegro pledged to stand with city leaders in the path of “regulating and dignifying” immigration.
“We don’t close the door on anyone, but neither is it wide open. Rules must be followed, and from these rules will come work projects that enhance our economy,” he stated, assuring that the Government intends to ensure immigrants have access to essential services like health, housing, and education.
The Assembly of the Republic approved the new version of the immigration law today, with affirmative votes from PSD, CDS-PP, Chega, IL, and JPP, and negative votes from PS, Livre, PCP, BE, and PAN.
The new version of the decree specifying the legal framework for the entry, stay, exit, and removal of foreigners from national territory, previously struck down by the Constitutional Court last August, passed in a final global vote after all amendments proposed by the parties were voted on in detail.
[Updated at 14:49]
