The debate surrounding the Program of the XXV Constitutional Government concluded on Wednesday with the rejection of the motion presented by the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP).
Throughout the debates, parties emphasized the significance of “dialogue” and maintaining a “constructive opposition.” Despite criticisms of Luís Montenegro’s program, the parties ultimately voted down the rejection motion proposed by the PCP, thus enabling the document.
The motion received support from the Left Bloc, which stated the program “was more of the same”; the PCP, which accused the Government of “arrogance and little respect”; and Livre, which argued the program was not “worthy of those who fought so hard for democracy.”
The PAN, which pledged to remain in “constructive opposition,” abstained from the vote.
“Portugal needs more than just pretty words,” argued JPP, which voted against the motion, while João Almeida from CDS stated that the Government needed time “to achieve stability.” The Liberal Initiative also opposed the PCP’s motion, despite describing the program as “a timid and vague text.” The PS approved the document, promising that “we will oversee the government’s actions with dignity.”
André Ventura reminded that the Portuguese people “gave Chega a leadership role” in the May 18 elections and assured the prime minister that he would “take seriously the work of leading the opposition.”
