The Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Miguel Pinto Luz, addressed Parliament on Friday regarding the detailed discussion of the proposed State Budget for 2026. The minister provided clarifications on subjects ranging from TAP to CP – Comboios de Portugal, Lisbon Airport, and housing policies.
“Rest assured: TAP partially privatized will retain brand and jobs”
The Minister of Infrastructure assured that TAP will maintain its brand and jobs in Portugal after a partial privatization of up to 49.9% of the capital. “Rest assured: the partially privatized TAP will retain the brand and jobs in Portugal and will continue as the central flight distribution platform,” he stated.
The official emphasized that the airline’s privatization is a process that the government wants “completely transparent and bulletproof,” with each step to be followed and reviewed by a Special Monitoring Committee made up of individuals of unassailable reputation.
Delays at Lisbon Airport’s border cause “reputational damages”
The minister also acknowledged that delays at the border control of Lisbon Airport cause “reputational damages” and that more Public Security Police agents are required to address the issue. “Anyone using Humberto Delgado Airport today knows that more human resources and capacity on the ground are needed, and the working conditions of these police professionals must be considered,” he said.
The minister was questioned by the PSD about issues at the border control of Lisbon Airport, where long waiting lines have been reported, admitting the “reputational damages” for the country.
Housing. Minister defends IHRU (and downplays complaints)
The Minister of Infrastructure and Housing defended the Institute of Housing and Urban Rehabilitation (IHRU) and downplayed complaints about delays in rent support. Miguel Pinto Luz guaranteed that “Porta 65 is fulfilling the steps required by legislation, 45 days for response.”
The assurance was given in response to Chega, which criticized the IHRU’s response to this and other rent support programs. “We have thousands of families desperately waiting for support, the IHRU provides no response; it’s a scandal what’s happening, with families waiting for over a year,” pointed out Deputy Carlos Barbosa (Chega), questioning when the issue will be resolved.
In response, the minister defended the IHRU and denied that “only 20 tokens are provided per day,” as has been reported by housing movements and individuals turning to the institute for process resolution.
The Minister of Infrastructure also expressed confidence that the 6% VAT on construction will be effective until the first quarter of 2026, with its discussion starting after the budgetary process is concluded.
Minister declares CP a “house of honest people” and dismisses “impropriety” claims
Pinto Luz defended CP – Comboios de Portugal as a “house of honest people” and rejected allegations from Chega of “impropriety” and “lack of transparency” within the railway company. “CP undermined? CP with clear signs of cronyism, private benefit? I invite the deputy to file a complaint with the Public Prosecutor, do it now regarding CP, because if I had those signs, I would do it already,” responded Miguel Pinto Luz to Deputy Francisco Gomes, from Chega, emphasizing that CP “is a functioning establishment” and “of honest people.” “It’s not just about broadcasting that there’s corruption; file [a complaint with the Public Prosecutor], state what indications those are about CP, because I don’t have them,” challenged Pinto Luz.
