Portuguese political parties clash over budget and cost of living

Portuguese political parties are engaged in intense debate regarding the upcoming State Budget and the rising cost of living. Paulo Raimundo, Secretary-General of the Portuguese Communist Party (PCP), warned that any party seeking to enable the budget must accept responsibility for supporting policies that address the needs of the majority of the country. He specifically addressed the Socialist Party (PS) and Chega, suggesting they must be accountable for the economic direction they support.

Simultaneously, PS Secretary-General José Luís Carneiro has blamed the current government and Chega for high living costs, citing the rejection of Socialist proposals to reduce VAT on essential food items and fuel. The PS has proposed lowering fuel VAT from 23% to 13% and implementing zero VAT on essential goods to mitigate inflation.

In Madeira, political tension persists as the PS challenges Regional Government President Miguel Albuquerque over forest management and controlled grazing as a fire prevention tool. Additionally, Albuquerque stated that a proposed ferry connection between Madeira and the mainland is not a priority, noting it would only be viable with compensatory payments.