The Socialist Party has expressed its disappointment and deemed it unacceptable that the Minister of Economy and Cohesion claims he is unavailable to attend parliament to explain delays in the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) and PT2030, which are highlighted in reports and by various entities.
The PS stated that its request for a hearing with Minister Castro Almeida was unanimously approved by the committee, during which explanations regarding the progress of these programs and the main constraints were expected.
The PS pointed out that both the PRR and PT2030 show significant delays, with the risk of losing funds.
“In light of the response received, the PS Parliamentary Group regrets the Government’s unavailability to provide clarifications on such a crucial matter for the country as the PRR. Exercising its right and duty to scrutinize government actions, the PS will insist that the minister also fulfill his duty to respond to the Assembly of the Republic,” the Socialist Party’s note emphasizes.
Nuno Fazenda, former Secretary of State and PS coordinator in the Economy and Territorial Cohesion Committee, described the lack of availability of Minister Castro Almeida to provide necessary clarifications in parliament regarding the delays in the execution of PRR and PT2030 as “regrettable.”
“It is urgent to explain to the country what is happening with the significant delays in managing European funds and what measures are being taken to ensure compliance with targets set with the European Commission, which have already prompted complaints from businesspeople and business associations,” added the PS deputy elected by Castelo Branco.
