Luís Montenegro defends economic policy and EU cohesion

Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro spoke in Esposende during a ceremony honoring former ministers Couto dos Santos and Oliveira Martins. Montenegro emphasized the importance of following convictions even when facing public doubt, citing the Cavaco Silva governments as historical examples of navigating uncertainty to achieve long-term goals.

Addressing economic policy, Montenegro stated he will not be the ‘father of austerity.’ He argued against populist measures, such as excessive fuel tax cuts, which he claims could destabilize public accounts and lead to future sacrifices. He noted that the government is implementing targeted support, including a fuel discount increasing to 25 cents per liter and reductions in IRS income tax.

On the international stage, Montenegro advocated for the next European Union budget to prioritize cohesion policy and the Common Agricultural Policy. He highlighted the geopolitical importance of Portugal’s ultra-peripheral regions, such as the Azores and Madeira, particularly regarding the security of undersea communication cables connecting Europe and the Americas.