Banco de Portugal Governor discusses economy and AI

Álvaro Santos Pereira, Governor of the Banco de Portugal, met with the President of the Republic at Belém Palace to discuss the Portuguese economy, the financial system, and the role of supervision. This meeting coincided with the release of the central bank's October Economic Bulletin.

The bulletin projects Portuguese inflation to reach 3.1% this year, slowing to 2.4% in 2027 and 2% in 2028 as energy shocks dissipate and labor costs moderate. Regarding economic growth, the bank forecasts a GDP increase of 2.3% in 2026 and 1.8% the following year. The Governor also noted the possibility of budget surpluses this year and next.

Separately, Santos Pereira will participate in the launch of a new doctorate program in Economics and Finance at the University of Coimbra. As an alumnus, he is scheduled to deliver an inaugural lecture titled ‘The Economic Impact of Artificial Intelligence,’ focusing on how the technology is transforming markets and business models.