Chega party demands fuel tax reductions for 2027 budget

The Chega party has announced its intention to press the Portuguese government for a reduction in VAT on fuel as part of the 2027 State Budget negotiations. Following a meeting between Chega's parliamentary leader, Pedro Pinto, and the Minister of Finance regarding the preliminary budget, party president André Ventura stated that the government indicated it has no margin to act on this demand.

Ventura argued that lowering fuel taxes is a matter of “elemental justice” to mitigate the economic impact on families. He contrasted the current situation with 2022, noting that then-opposition leader Luís Montenegro had advocated for immediate tax cuts. Ventura also pointed to Spain as an example, suggesting that Spanish fuel prices are lower due to reduced taxes rather than cheaper oil, citing Spain's increase in hydrocarbon tax discounts.