Portugal's PSD blames Socialist government over immigration policy as education minister defends exam reforms

The Portuguese Social Democratic Party (PSD) launched a campaign accusing the Socialist Party (PS) of mishandling immigration, claiming more than 1.5 million people entered Portugal irregularly and stressing the strain on housing, health and education. PSD figures, including spokesperson Hugo Soares, referenced the recent Spanish decision to regularise half a million migrants and warned that Portugal must adopt a responsible, secure and humane immigration policy.

In a separate parliamentary session, Education Minister Fernando Alexandre announced that all students who passed the first phase of national exams will be able to apply for higher education on equal terms. He reported that 97 % of the second‑phase exam papers have been graded, and highlighted ongoing political tension as opposition parties, including Chega and the PSD, challenged the minister’s handling of the examinations.

Both episodes reflect heightened political debate in Portugal over government policies on migration and education, with the PSD seeking to hold the ruling Socialists accountable while the government defends its reforms.