The Pessoas-Animais-Natureza (PAN) party announced it submitted multiple proposals to Parliament following its abstention from the general vote on the proposed State Budget. This move signals a willingness to negotiate during the specialized debate, emphasizing its commitment to improving living conditions for families and enhancing protection for animals and nature.
The PAN’s initiatives include establishing a housing cooperative program with public support, focusing on young people and families. They also propose increasing funding for the National Urgent and Temporary Accommodation Fund, aimed at homeless individuals and victims of domestic violence shelters, which is set to decrease by 80% to 28 million euros in the upcoming budget.
The party is advocating for reduced VAT on animal health and food, extending VAT exemptions for pet food purchases by animal protection associations, and boosting funding for a national sterilization campaign.
Other proposals address wildfire prevention and the preservation of national forests. This includes a 10 million euro pilot project employing drones and artificial intelligence to combat fires and increasing the Municipal Emergency Fund from six to 10 million euros.
“We urge the Government to be genuinely receptive to discussing proposals that bring social justice and progress to Portugal. This means implementing measures to correct tax injustices, support animal protectors, bolster housing support, value healthcare professionals, give due recognition to firefighters, protect our forests, and respond to the climate crisis increasingly impacting our territory,” stated PAN spokesperson Inês de Sousa Real in the announcement.
The Government’s proposed State Budget for 2026 passed the general vote in the Assembly of the Republic on October 28, with approval from PSD and CDS-PP, while PS, PAN, and JPP abstained.
Chega, Iniciativa Liberal (IL), Bloco de Esquerda (BE), Portuguese Communist Party (PCP), and Livre voted against the PSD/CDS-PP Government’s proposal.
The specialized debate and voting will take place from November 20 to 21.
