“Today, while we were distracted with the yes or no to uncovered faces, PSD, CDS, Iniciativa Liberal, and Chega, with their faces completely uncovered, approved the reduction of corporate tax to 19%,” stated Paulo Raimundo during a rally on Friday night in Seixal, Setúbal district, under the theme “A Different Direction for the Country. Reject the Labor Package, Exploitation, and Injustices.”
In reference to Chega’s bill to ban the use of burqas in public spaces, approved today in general terms in Parliament with votes from Chega, PSD, IL, and CDS-PP, and votes against from PS, Livre, BE, and PCP, while PAN and JPP abstained, the communist leader mentioned that “the people were entertained and are entertained, at this moment, with the discussion about covered or uncovered faces” while the corporate tax cut was also approved, a measure he views as benefiting economic groups.
“It’s all in service of economic groups, two billion euros per year of our resources, from our efforts, being diverted to those who earn millions and millions and now even have this added benefit of the reduction in corporate tax,” he emphasized.
Paulo Raimundo warned that they are also preparing “for the big blow that is the labor package,” suggesting it will bring more job insecurity, deregulation of working hours, and dismissals without just cause, which he believes is reminiscent of troika policies returning.
Addressing a hall filled with party members, the PCP Secretary-General called for mobilization against the labor package, labeling it a crime.
“The offensive aiming to abolish rights and increase exploitation is underway and needs to be halted. Let us return to the places we never left. Let us return to the companies, the workplaces, the lands, the neighborhoods, the parishes. Let us reject the labor package, exploitation, and injustices,” he declared.
Paulo Raimundo also urged participation in the November 8 march organized by CGTP against the labor package, which he considers pivotal.
“It will be possible to defeat this labor package. It isn’t just about labor; it’s about labor, justice, equality, and the country we want, both for the present and the future. And we will be there, with all our strength, on November 8, in that great march,” he affirmed.
