The biweekly debates alternate between being initiated by the Prime Minister and by parties, with the current session starting with the Social Democrats posing questions to Luís Montenegro, followed by Chega, PS, IL, Livre, PCP, CDS-PP, BE, and PAN, in a discussion slated to last 113 minutes.
The opposition is expected to focus on the Government’s draft labor law reform proposal, currently under discussion in social dialogue forums. This proposal has prompted the two main unions to call a general strike for December 11, marking the first such strike under this Government since 2013, during Portugal’s bailout period.
This week, both the Prime Minister and the PSD emphasized the significance of this “labor law reform” for the country’s economic growth, alongside two other reforms: state reform and tax reform.
During an event with businessmen in Santa Maria da Feira (Aveiro) on Tuesday, Luís Montenegro argued that the country would remain stagnant if it does not proceed with labor law changes, taking advantage of the “favorable conditions” currently being experienced.
The reduction in fuel tax, announced by the Government a week ago and already criticized by PS and Chega, as well as issues in healthcare, the execution of European funds, and the judiciary, may be other topics raised by the opposition in the debate with the Prime Minister.
On Thursday, the Government approved a new regime for the return of illegal immigrants during the Council of Ministers meeting. This regime is now open for public consultation before heading to parliament.
The day prior, the magazine Sábado released a summary of wiretap transcripts involving former Prime Minister António Costa linked to Operation Influencer. This Public Prosecutor’s Office investigation into the installation of a data center in Sines resulted in his resignation from the Government leadership in November 2023.
The last biweekly debate with Luís Montenegro in parliament took place on September 24 and was characterized by announcements in the housing sector and calls for opposition responsibility in the 2026 State Budget, which has since been approved in its final global vote with PS abstaining.
Immediately following the biweekly debate, the Prime Minister will address deputies about the upcoming European Council, scheduled for December 18 and 19, 2025. The meeting will focus on Ukraine’s financing and negotiations for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028-2034).
