Luís Montenegro addressed journalists at Largo da Portagem in Coimbra after responding to statements made earlier in Covilhã by the Secretary-General of the PS, Pedro Nuno Santos.
Among other critiques, the PS leader deemed it unacceptable for the Prime Minister to “threaten to alter strike laws” in response to the CP railway strike, characterizing it as an “insult to democracy.”
Confronted with these accusations by the socialist leader, the President of PSD reiterated that “political, partisan, and electoral influences” prevented the CP strike from being averted and argued for a more balanced approach to rights.
“I am concerned about the people, the service we are obligated to provide to those who need to work, study, go to medical appointments, or have their routines disrupted, without undermining labor struggles and the claims of all activity sectors,” responded the Prime Minister.
Luís Montenegro emphasized the responsibility of his government to “address the general interest.”
“I will continue to defend our ideas while others defend theirs,” he added, alluding to the leaders of left-wing parties.
During the walk through downtown Coimbra, Luís Montenegro was accompanied by the city’s Mayor, José Manuel Silva, and the leading candidate of AD for this electoral district, Rita Alarcão Júdice.
Rita Alarcão Júdice, the Minister of Justice, received commendations from the President of the Union of Prison Guards, particularly for achieving a salary agreement with the government, during a moment alongside Luís Montenegro.
Montenegro was asked whether Rita Alarcão Júdice would remain in the government if he were to win the elections. He replied that it was premature to discuss that topic but praised the Minister of Justice.
He instead sought to highlight improvements in public administration careers during his tenure as Prime Minister.
“We want to continue that effort because, as I have often said, the goal is to have a motivated and efficient public administration. It is beneficial for society, the economy, and the functioning of the country,” he asserted.
At the street event in Coimbra, Montenegro, joined by MEP Lídia Pereira and CDS-PP President Nuno Melo, posed for photos with children from various schools they encountered and greeted numerous shopkeepers.
With Nuno Melo and the AD parliamentary candidates for the district, the PSD President took a photo next to a monument honoring Coimbra’s fado.
[Updated at 14:16]
