The Secretary-General of the Socialist Party (PS), Pedro Nuno Santos, addressed the issue of immigration in a recent interview, focusing on the more than 4,500 notifications issued to illegal immigrants by the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum (AIMA). “The law is to be followed by everyone. This is clear to us. These numbers show that we have a very small percentage of immigrants entering Portugal illegally. Nevertheless, AIMA is carrying out its duties. In fact, they were already doing this under the previous government and continue to do so,” he stated during an interview with RTP1.
He further noted, “During the Socialist Party government, it was always projected that all processes would be resolved by mid-2025, and that is what is happening.”
When reminded of some internal criticisms he faced regarding his comments about past shortcomings in socialist management, Pedro Nuno Santos elaborated on his approach, particularly focusing on expressions of interest. “There was this concept, which made sense in those years but isn’t the most appropriate mechanism now, as it discourages the use of regular and legal channels for entering Portugal. From this perspective, what we need to do more of is investing in an integration policy. The worst thing that can happen—not only to those already here but also to those coming to live and work in Portugal—is to have a country unprepared for this population growth,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of investing in public services, “which cannot remain degraded.”
The candidate for Prime Minister in the upcoming elections highlighted the Portuguese economy’s need for foreign workers but pointed out that the influx was “rapid” and lacking in investment, particularly in schools, childcare, housing, and the National Health Service.
Regarding the Spinumviva affair, Pedro Nuno Santos assured that it was “clear” the Parliamentary Inquiry Commission (CPI) would proceed, noting the topic remains unresolved. “This mix of politics and personal business is unacceptable in a Prime Minister. It is a topic that is not resolved and won’t be sorted by May 18,” he stated, asserting, “A politician cannot evade scrutiny, hide, or cover up.”
On economic matters, Pedro Nuno Santos discussed the prevailing uncertainty. “We then have an AD presenting the Portuguese with a macroeconomic scenario that is a genuine fantasy, a deception. And with a declining economy, it’s an even greater deceit,” he criticized, asserting that the PS program is “cautious” and includes measures to help navigate moments of higher tension, such as the Zero VAT on food items and the reduced 6% VAT for all electricity consumption.
Regarding European affairs, Pedro Nuno Santos stated that any potential increase in defense spending should be done “very gradually, so as not to endanger the welfare state and also give our economy the opportunity to respond to this demand.”
