At a press conference in parliament, on the last day for parties to submit amendment proposals to the State Budget for 2026, the leader of the PCP parliamentary group, Paula Santos, announced that the party wants not only a 5% increase in pensions but also an increase in the solidarity supplement for the elderly by 75 euros, to 705 euros, and that its payment extends from 12 to 14 months.
When questioned about the cost of the party’s amendment proposals, the leader of the communist bench detailed that the permanent increase in pensions would cost an additional 2.4 billion euros, beyond the amount announced by the Government. She argued that the calculations presented by the Minister of Labor, who described the communist proposal as an “unbearable” expense reaching four billion euros, do not reflect the truth.
Paula Santos further emphasized that the proposals must be viewed “in a comprehensive perspective,” explaining that although some proposals increase state expenditure, there are also communist initiatives that would boost revenue, such as increasing taxes on the profits of economic groups.
The party insists, as it did last year, on a proposal to create an inter-regional intermodal pass with a maximum cost of 50 euros, aimed at enhancing mobility between metropolitan areas and neighboring regions and promoting the use of public transport.
In education, the communist bench presents a set of proposals such as strengthening school social action – by increasing support for school materials and ensuring free meals and study visits – expanding the criteria for granting scholarships in higher education, and bolstering student housing.
In total, the PCP is presenting more than 500 amendment proposals to the Budget for the specialty phase, which Paula Santos stated outline an “alternative path for the country” regarding wages, pensions, housing, the National Health Service, social benefits, children’s rights, youth, and the living conditions of the elderly.
