The State Secretary for Economy remains João Rui Ferreira, as listed today on the Presidency of the Republic’s website. Ferreira also serves as the Secretary-General of the Portuguese Cork Association (APCOR) and holds a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, along with a postgraduate diploma in Quantitative Methods in Management.
Pedro Machado continues in his role in Tourism, having led the Tourism of the Center for 16 years until 2023. His new responsibilities will include Tourism, Trade, and Services. Machado is a master in Educational Sciences, with a degree in Philosophy. He previously served as President of the ARPT – Regional Agency for External Tourism Promotion of the Center of Portugal and the Regional Tourism Entity of the Center of Portugal.
Hélder Reis will also continue as the State Secretary for Planning and Regional Development. His previous positions include Secretary of State for the Budget and Economic Affairs Consultant to the Presidency of the Republic.
Silvério Rodrigues Regalado remains as Secretary of State for Local Administration and Territorial Planning. Regalado is a manager and former President of the Municipal Chamber of Vagos.
This ministry faces the Program Recuperar, which is currently being launched, with expectations that nearly all measures will be in place by the next quarter.
The program will have 10 billion euros, involving credit lines totaling 8.6 billion euros through Banco Português do Fomento (BPF).
Over 5 billion euros will be available through the reprogramming and boosting of the BPF Invest EU lines for working capital and investment support, with the new BPF Invest Export PT line having an additional 3.5 billion euros.
Additionally, there will be a 1.2 billion euro increase in the credit insurance ceiling, extending coverage beyond emerging countries to “traditional markets.”
As the holder of the European Funds portfolio, Castro Almeida has committed to ensuring the reprogramming of the PRR is executed by the end of 2026.
The reprogramming led to cuts in areas such as housing, mobility, and water management, with the government offsetting these through other funding sources, including Portugal 2030 and the State Budget. The total allocation and distribution across programs remain unchanged.
The Presidency’s website also noted that Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa received and accepted the prime minister’s proposal for the set of State Secretaries today.
The second government led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro will comprise 16 ministries, one fewer than before, retaining 13 of the previous 17 ministers. The 25th Constitutional Government took office today, making it the fastest government formation in President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa’s tenures, 18 days post-elections. The State Secretaries’ swearing-in is scheduled for 12:00 on Friday.
