“This is the time for political parties, so the debate is happening in the Assembly of the Republic, which is the proper venue for it, and the President of the Republic will eventually be confronted with the final text that will be submitted for his promulgation,” stated the candidate supported by the PCP.
Speaking to the Lusa agency before a visit to the Santo André Volunteer Firefighters’ station in the municipality of Santiago do Cacém, district of Setúbal, António Filipe expressed concerns regarding the state’s responsibilities in relation to public services.
“We are indeed familiar with the existing bill, and I have concerns about its content, particularly considering the state’s responsibilities towards essential public services, such as the National Health Service and Public School,” he emphasized.
According to the presidential candidate, who dedicated the day to certain institutions on the Alentejo coast, the proposed Budget for 2026, currently under general debate, shows “a significant deficit in fulfilling the state’s obligations” regarding public services, resulting in “major access difficulties for the population.”
“I am concerned about the lack of response from the budget proposal concerning this matter, while everything points to severe fiscal injustices, such as the recently decided reduction in Corporate Income Tax for very large companies, which will inevitably be reflected in the Budget,” he pointed out.
To Lusa, the candidate for the January 18, 2026 elections expressed “fear that the Assembly of the Republic will approve a budget that increases fiscal injustice, that fails to address essential issues concerning public services,” and “does not value public administration careers.”
“Therefore, I view the content of the bill under discussion with concern, but, evidently, this is the Parliament’s moment, and the President of the Republic will be called to decide subsequently,” he remarked.
During the visit to the Santo André Volunteer Firefighters’ station, António Filipe recalled “the difficulties faced by humanitarian associations” and praised the “conduct of firefighters across the country.”
“I understand their problems, and [it is necessary] for the state to support firefighters because when it needs them, they respond. Hence, I believe firefighters have served the country, and the country needs to reciprocate, which it does not always do,” he asserted.
The presidential candidate’s visit concludes with a public session in Sines at 6:30 PM.
