“There are matters so vital to people’s lives that are being sidelined by the political agenda and priorities of the country, and from my point of view, many of these maneuvers, unfortunately, jeopardize the healthy functioning of institutions,” stated José Luís Carneiro to journalists during the presentation of the PS candidacy for the Figueira da Foz City Hall, led by João Paulo Rodrigues.
When asked about the negotiation between Chega and the Government (led by the AD) regarding the nationality law, the PS leader considered that there are “some distraction maneuvers to divert people’s attention from what is essential.”
For José Luís Carneiro, several issues should shape the political agenda, such as health, which “must have a structured and secure State response,” pointing out “a significant lack of coordination between State services” and the absence of response for populations, as is the case in the district of Setúbal, “with more than 800,000 citizens” lacking “a structured response for hospital emergencies.”
“Health is one of the priorities, housing is another, and economic growth is another priority. The Prime Minister went to Brussels and committed to 2% of GDP [Gross Domestic Product] investment in defense, then committed to 3.5%. Where will these resources be obtained? What is the plan for application?” he questioned.
Although considering that the nationality law and the foreigner law can be improved, the socialist leader stressed that such improvements should be made “with consideration, particularly respecting constitutional values.”
For José Luís Carneiro, the Government, with Chega’s support, forced “an urgency vote on a matter that requires consultation, particularly with the higher courts.”
The absence of this consultation “means a serious infringement on the legality of procedures taken at the heart of democracy, in the Assembly of the Republic,” he said, considering the Government’s actions “very serious.”
“My expectation is that the Government honors the word it gave to the Portuguese and does not fall into the arms of those who want to capture the Government’s political agenda,” he added.
The president of Chega stated today that there is a “principle of agreement” with the AD on some guidelines to change the nationality law, acknowledging there was a “commitment to block a series of hearings” requested by the left.
For the PS Secretary-General, it is fundamental that the Portuguese State “ensures secure and regulated migrations,” reiterating that the way the debate is being conducted and guided by the Government is a form of distraction, by mixing “everything – nationality, migrations, and security.”
