The Prime Minister, speaking at the Government Program debate in the Assembly of the Republic, expressed confidence in continuing to establish convergences with the Socialist Party (PS) in foreign policy, European policy, and defense.
Earlier, in a party address, José Luís Carneiro, the sole candidate for PS General Secretary, questioned Luís Montenegro about potential dialogue partners.
“We will engage in political dialogue with all political forces represented in this parliament. We do not forget the historical responsibilities, the sense that, on many occasions, PS has shown in converging with us on fundamental aspects,” the Prime Minister responded.
Addressing José Luís Carneiro, Luís Montenegro continued, “We exclude no one, and we are well aware of those who have often shown they are up to this responsibility. We will see if there are new protagonists and forces also demonstrating this sense of responsibility. Sometimes, we have well-founded doubts.”
“Therefore, we will see who has this sense of responsibility. One thing is certain: we will never diminish PS, and we will engage in a frank, open, loyal, genuine dialogue with PS. We will not refrain from doing so,” he added.
The Prime Minister and PSD President applauded José Luís Carneiro’s intention to maintain the collaboration between the two parties, which have historically led democratically elected governments in Portugal.
In his address, José Luís Carneiro emphasized that PS would not support the government in parliament but would act as a responsible, firm, constructive, and alternative opposition, open to convergence.
José Luís Carneiro voiced support for “the recognition of the State of Palestine as a sovereign state” within the European Union context and for “the 2% GDP effort” in defense, leading to the creation of a military industrial plan.
“In internal security, you can count on us, Prime Minister, to implement the urban security strategy, the preventive civil protection strategy, and to manage emergency civil planning, particularly in protecting critical national infrastructures,” said the former Minister of Internal Administration.
The PS General Secretary candidate expressed readiness for convergence in justice matters, asserting the possibility of surpassing the government’s program’s commonplaces and addressing the sector’s challenges comprehensively.
“Regarding the State’s reorganization, the PS is also ready to build a more motivated, mobilized Public Administration for efficient public spending, ensuring quality public services in Portugal and Portuguese communities abroad,” he added.
At this point, he challenged the Prime Minister to approve “the depoliticization of public administration leadership positions.”
Luís Montenegro welcomed José Luís Carneiro’s “willingness to approach internal security matters,” despite the “policy shift from the previous approach, which also had direct responsibility.”
“It is essential to know that PS will collaborate in the State’s reform, in Justice reform, and the need for a robust emergency and critical infrastructure protection system. We will embrace this willingness,” declared the Prime Minister.
[News updated at 12:26 PM]
