The Secretary-General of the Socialist Party (PS), Pedro Nuno Santos, has asserted that Prime Minister Luís Montenegro should “acknowledge the mistakes” and apologize to the Portuguese people “for the way he mixed business with politics.”
Speaking to journalists following the debate, Pedro Nuno Santos accused the Democratic Alliance Government of leaving the National Health Service (SNS) in “chaos” and in a state of “great instability.” He also criticized the increased cost of housing and the government’s handling of various crises.
“There is no reason for our people to renew trust in a coalition and a Prime Minister who failed in fundamental areas. We need to start a new political phase,” emphasized the socialist leader, advocating that his party has “competent and experienced people.”
Pedro Nuno Santos outlined several decisions he would make if the PS wins the elections, including raising wages (both minimum and average), increasing pensions, and protecting the SNS.
When questioned about the criticism from Montenegro during the debate, Pedro Nuno pointed out that the Prime Minister “should have used the opportunity to apologize to the Portuguese people for leaving an economy in decline.”
“It was also a chance to apologize for the irresponsible handling that led to eleven deaths during the INEM strike, apologize to women giving birth in ambulances, and to all the young people […],” noted the socialist.
He added, “Truly, a Prime Minister should recognize where he went wrong and should also apologize for the irresponsible way he mixed business with politics.”
