Communist leader Paulo Raimundo emphasized the need for substantial changes in labor conditions, highlighting issues such as precarious employment, low wages, and wage discrimination against women. He criticized the current efforts against these challenges as superficial, stating, “There’s no use in giving pretty speeches when the same people refuse to combat these issues effectively.”
Raimundo addressed supporters at a luncheon in the Pavilhão do Sobralinho, located in the municipality of Vila Franca de Xira, marking the official start of the campaign period initiated by the CDU, an alliance of the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) and Green Environmentalist Party (“Os Verdes”).
Coinciding with Mother’s Day, Raimundo pointed out the closure of obstetric and pediatric emergency services at the nearby Hospital de Vila Franca de Xira. He declared, “This situation cannot persist,” urging voters to support the coalition to ensure better healthcare services across the country.
He reiterated his critique of hollow political rhetoric, condemning unnamed parties for their inaction on essential issues. “To solve the problem, we need rights, better wages, housing, childcare, and strength for the CDU,” Raimundo asserted, seeking support particularly from voters in the Lisbon district, where the party aims to win four parliamentary seats.
Raimundo highlighted the plight of over 300,000 children living in poverty in Portugal, advocating for accountability among those responsible for such conditions. He remarked, “Without social support, more than 500,000 children would be in poverty. At CDU, we do not turn a blind eye to this problem, and we will not rest until it is resolved.”
Despite a nearly 25-minute address, Raimundo’s speech was cut short by a power outage, yet he exited the venue amid cheers and support from attendees.
