During an address at the International Congress of Cooperativism in Lisbon, Passos Coelho highlighted concerns over the short-term focus of governments in Portugal and Europe due to public reaction fears. He criticized this approach for neglecting security challenges, budgeting rules adherence, and significant investment scales needed for global competition.
“I have always felt it is better to face the negative consequences of electoral judgment by doing something deemed essential for the future. I continue to believe it is worthwhile. Politics, contrary to what many may think, does not end with each election. Every election offers opportunities to win or lose, but elections matter only to those who look to the future non-passively,” he stated.
With Secretary of State Silvério Regalado in attendance, Passos praised the government for removing the intense drama long-associated with Portuguese budget discussions, saying the state budget should be an instrument for fulfilling external and internal obligations, not a stage for unrelated debates.
Following the praise, Passos Coelho issued warnings to the government, noting that the era of delay-inducing maneuvering has ended, rendering electoral calculations and distributional concerns obsolete.
“Every social sector seeks some state attention and financial aid, but no one will forgive a future where governments fail to do what is necessary. That is the crux. Money distributed daily is already used,” he added.
He also expressed that postponing vital decisions leads to their eventual necessity under worse circumstances.
“Why? Because late decisions are less effective and must be more drastic than if taken on time. I believe this is the moment for such a warning, both on European and national levels,” the former Prime Minister said.
Passos signaled concern over the lack of state investment for years, alongside overreliance on EU-allocated funds and a consumption-driven growth model that he deemed insufficient for the future.
He argued that Portugal’s growth potential rests on necessary yet longstanding reforms, advocating for progress with as much consensus as possible to ensure enduring and beneficial changes.
The former PSD leader also criticized Europe’s laxity in defense, remarking on the EU’s previous focus on its social model over security concerns, now pressured by time due to the situation in Ukraine and the need to procure American equipment.
“Balancing social priorities with security priorities is challenging, as we all know. This balancing act did not occur by chance,” he noted.
At the event’s entrance and exit, Pedro Passos Coelho declined to comment on national current events, such as the nationality law.
[Updated at 11:49 a.m.]
