At a press conference reviewing the Rota pela Coesão e pelas Pessoas, which traversed the districts of Lisbon and Setúbal over the past two weeks, José Luís Carneiro addressed the upcoming vote in Parliament on Thursday regarding the State Budget for 2026 (OE2026).
Carneiro asserted, “The Government will not find excuses in the PS to not fulfill its commitments, nor will it find in the PS an excuse if the public accounts do not balance at the end of the budgetary exercise.”
He emphasized that Portugal is the priority over party interests, stating that abstention is the appropriate vote “to serve the country’s interest and for the Government to fulfill its duties” in the current context.
“We have always stated that we would contribute to political stability in the country at a critical moment, when, among other duties, the Government has to ensure the execution of the Recovery and Resilience Plan,” he added.
Carneiro noted that the socialists have been “restrained and very responsible” in their amendment proposals for the specialty phase, which will begin voting on Thursday.
The PS leader mentioned that the proposals “seek to enhance the income of low-pension citizens and families, through VAT reductions on food goods, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.”
“In contributing to the competitiveness of our economy, improving income, investing in social policies, and committing to social justice, we also affirm our premise of fiscal responsibility, which is essential for the external credibility of the Portuguese state,” he stated.
Regarding labor legislation, Carneiro confirmed that, at UGT’s request, the PS parliamentary group held a meeting with this trade union today. Although unable to speak with the deputies yet, he emphasized the publicly known reasons for joining the general strike.
Pressed on the labor package, Carneiro recalled that during an August 3rd meeting with UGT, he warned about “the severity of the Government’s proposals,” which he described as “inhumane, compromising fundamental values in protecting young people, working women, families, and the vulnerable.”
Carneiro declined to comment on accusations from Chega’s leader that UGT is being “strongly manipulated by the PS.”
Discussing the arrest of two health unit staff suspected of registering 10,000 immigrants with the SNS, Carneiro stated, “The administration of Justice and adherence to the rule of law must apply to everyone, regardless of circumstances.”
“Those who commit fraud in public services should be severely punished,” he asserted.
Carneiro reviewed the Rota pela Coesão e pelas Pessoas, highlighting the obstacles discovered during multiple visits, and noting that “cohesion and development policy is incompatible with inconsistency and intermittence.”
“It is absolutely crucial that the Government continues essential cohesion and development policies that were underway,” he affirmed.
The PS leader announced plans to host a major conference in the spring of 2026 “at the interface of the Setúbal district” to deepen dialogue with these communities and advance proposals previously developed in these areas.
[News updated at 19:42]
