“There are no preferred partners, if I may say so. At this moment, as I mentioned when I delivered the Government program, we talk to everyone, with everyone, with everyone, to paraphrase someone much better than us. And that is exactly what we are doing,” stated Carlos Abreu Amorim during a conversation with Agência Lusa, related to the state of the nation debate scheduled for Thursday in parliament.
The official expressed confusion over the PS’s criticisms of the government’s dialogue with Chega, claiming that “they seem to be criticisms from those who have nothing else to criticize.”
Carlos Abreu Amorim emphasized that the PSD/CDS-PP administration continues to aim for dialogue “with everyone on all measures,” noting that certain political forces align with the Government’s stances in some instances while others do not.
“The PS seemed to feel affronted, apparently because, in the immigration package, we have, imagine that, recognized that there is a problem and want to solve this problem. And the PS continues to deny the existence of the problem. Well, those who deny the problem do not want to participate in the solution,” he argued, referring to the Government’s proposals to amend nationality and immigration laws and the creation of the PSP Foreigners and Borders Unit.
Chega has a different view from the executive, he added, “but managed to come a bit closer to the Government’s position.”
The minister said he hopes the PS “evolves a bit” on immigration and remains open to discussing “all topics.”
“And I am very convinced that the current PS leadership and, by the way, the current and new parliamentary leadership of the PS, will live up to the responsibilities of this party in building Portuguese democracy,” he highlighted.
Carlos Abreu Amorim emphasized that, in the current parliamentary context, dialogue “is inevitable and essential” and that his ministry has acted as a sort of “pivot” for this “constant and intense” dialogue.
The minister hopes the opposition acts responsibly so the legislature completes its term and assured that the executive will do “everything within its power” to ensure this, except “sacrificing its own program.”
“We do not want and do not accept that opposition parties govern from parliament while the Government becomes a mere incumbent. That is not acceptable,” he warned.
Carlos Abreu Amorim recalled that his predecessor, Pedro Duarte, also hoped for the legislature to reach its end, which did not occur, but issued a caution.
“With all sincerity, regardless of any political-party judgement, forcing the country to interrupt the legislature again and causing legislative elections to be held, as the Constitution states, not every four years, but yearly, if I may say so, would be irresponsible,” he asserted.
The state of the nation debate is scheduled for next Thursday, the first since the XXV Constitutional Government took office, with Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and the entire government team expected to attend.
