José Luís Carneiro’s strategic proposal for leadership of the PS, titled “Pacto Portugal Futuro,” outlines key goals to be achieved by 2050. The plan emphasizes a “solid policy of increasing income and reducing the tax burden,” aiming to match the Portuguese average salary with the European average within a decade.
Emphasizing fair wages as essential for workers’ dignity and quality of life, Carneiro links this to better social justice and harmonious socio-economic development. “The social development of the country requires an increase in wages and income, assuming economic growth and that both workers and entrepreneurs share in the success of companies,” states the document.
The proposal also outlines housing targets, urging continued priority on “new policies, enhancing the sense of social urgency in this area.” Carneiro advocates ensuring all families gain access to decent housing within ten years, by balancing market and municipal housing supply with incentives for affordable housing construction.
Another goal is for Portugal to be self-sufficient in renewable electricity by 2035, with Carneiro arguing for PS leadership in environmental protection and climate action policies.
The “Pacto Portugal Futuro” insists on maintaining the current fiscal and financial credibility legacy of the PS, promoting sustainable economic and income growth on the basis of “accurate accounts.” It emphasizes recovering fiscal justice in labor income, improving corporate fiscal competitiveness, and enhancing living conditions, particularly in housing access and poverty reduction.
Carneiro calls for increased support for micro, small, and medium enterprises, which form a substantial portion of national employment. He also pledges to promote fiscal justice by combating tax fraud and evasion, thus reducing burdens on law-abiding citizens and companies.
The candidate insists on maintaining a “robust and modern” National Health Service, a public pension system ensuring intergenerational equity, and a quality public education system as a means of improving qualifications and equality of opportunities.
“The PS rejects the privatization of healthcare, the commercialization of pensions, and the defunding of public education,” the proposal firmly states.
In potential agreements with the AD Government, Carneiro promises a “firm and responsible opposition” while expressing willingness for “democratic consensus” in areas like foreign and European policy, Defense, Security, Justice, and State organization.
Internal elections for PS leadership are set for June 27 and 28, with José Luís Carneiro currently the sole candidate, following Pedro Nuno Santos’s resignation as party secretary-general after the legislative election results on May 18.
