Pedro Passos Coelho says Portugal's government shows clear reformist intent but needs faster pace

Former Prime Minister Pedro Passos Coelho praised the Portuguese government's "clear reformist intention" during the launch of the study "Unlocking Portugal's Growth" by Nobel economist James A. Robinson, commissioned by the Confederation of Portuguese Business (CIP) and the Amaro da Costa Institute.

He added that the pace of reforms should be more intense, urging that reforms focus on citizens, entrepreneurs and taxpayers rather than on the state itself. Passos Coelho also criticised the current functioning of the state, describing it as slow, overly burdensome and ill‑suited to investors, workers and institutions. He called state reform a critical point for raising incomes and improving prospects for recent university graduates.

The comments reflect ongoing debate over the speed and direction of Portugal's economic and administrative reforms.