Portugal's Unified Welfare Benefit Approved Amid Political Tensions

The Portuguese Parliament passed the legislation establishing the Prestação Social Única (PSU), a single welfare benefit that consolidates thirteen existing social supports. The final vote saw the PSD and CDS‑PP parties in favour, the Socialist Party (PS) and Iniciativa Liberal abstaining, while Chega and other opposition groups voted against.

The approved law maintains a requirement for beneficiaries to perform "social solidarity work", but the obligation will be assessed case‑by‑case, with exemptions for persons whose disability exceeds 80 % or who meet other criteria. The government says the new system will improve judicial fairness and administrative efficiency, with full implementation slated for 2027 after a transition period.

Political reactions included the PSD accusing Chega of siding with the left after the vote, and the Minister of Labour asserting that the reform will bring "justice and equity" to the social safety net. The agreement between the governing Democratic Alliance and the PS was described as a significant political win for the Socialists, though the government denied granting any party a preferential partnership for future reforms.