As the debate on the State Budget for 2026 nears completion, the final global vote is set for November 27. The intentions of the political parties are expected to align closely with their initial stances during the general vote. Both Chega and the Left Bloc (BE) confirmed on November 24 that they would oppose the final document in Thursday’s session, maintaining their original positions.
The announcement from the right-wing party was made by Chega’s parliamentary leader, Pedro Pinto, during a request for clarification. “I will remind you that next Thursday morning, when you rise to abstain on this budget, we will vote against. Here lies the big difference. We are consistent. You are not consistent. You criticize the budget, say it’s the highest tax burden ever, but then, when it comes time to vote, you side with the PSD. Socialist demagogy and hypocrisy,” Pinto accused.
Pedro Pinto was responding to socialist Carlos Pereira, who intervened regarding the PS proposal to replace the end of the ISP discount with a reduction in VAT on essential food items, which was rejected on Friday and brought to plenary on Monday.
During the general vote, Chega’s leader had said the party was taking a “step by step” approach and seriously considering the negotiation period. Therefore, a decision on maintaining opposition in the final global vote of the budget had not yet been made, which is now confirmed.
The sole BE deputy announced her vote in a justificatory statement sent to Lusa, declaring that the budget process “made it clear” that the document “does not aim to solve the country’s problems.” “It became clear throughout the State Budget process that this is not a Budget to solve Portugal’s problems. It is a Budget that does not increase meal subsidies, pensions, or salaries, and does not value the professionals in the National Health Service and public school,” the note read.
Mariana Mortágua managed to get two BE proposals approved concerning the “creation of a work contract model for scholarships and menopause rights” during the specialty votes.
PS expected to maintain abstention
On November 28, the government’s proposal for the 2026 Budget was approved in general due to the Socialist Party’s (PS) facilitation, expected to continue during the specialty votes. Last week, socialist secretary-general José Luís Carneiro justified the abstention in the votes: “The government will not find an excuse in the PS, on one hand, not to comply, and secondly, it will not find an excuse in the PS if the public accounts do not add up at the end of the budget exercise.”
In the general vote, PSD and CDS-PP, the parties supporting Montenegro’s Executive, were the only ones to vote in favor, with Chega, the Liberal Initiative (IL), the PCP, and the BE opposing the document.
IL and PCP expected to vote against. PAN may change voting stance
The day before the general vote, IL announced its opposition to the proposal, stating the budget was “unambitious” and “too greedy,” failing to solve the problems of the Portuguese. However, at the time, party leader Mariana Leitão left the intention for the final global vote open: “The party has no problem reviewing its voting position in the final vote” if significant changes address the Portuguese’s issues. However, she added that “this scenario is somewhat idyllic,” making her “doubt it will materialize,” leading to expectations that the Liberal Initiative will maintain a vote against.
The Communist Party announced its stance on the document back in September, even before the proposal was known, claiming it would “do everything” to stop a budget seen as “an instrument serving the current policy.” “The PCP will not be responsible for this. Whoever wants to put their signature must assume the responsibilities; it’s not just about talking stability. That’s violin talk for our ears,” stressed Paulo Raimundo.
Therefore, the PCP’s voting stance is also expected to remain, opposing the final budget document for 2026.
The PAN, on the other hand, abstained in the general vote as a “sign of openness to dialogue,” while emphasizing it “will not give a blank vote” in the final global vote: “If real progress is not seen, PAN reserves the right to vote against in the final global vote.”
The JPP took a similar path, also abstaining in the general vote. The Madeiran party, however, has yet to signal whether it will maintain or change its vote in Thursday’s session.
