Portugal's Single Social Benefit Bill Sparks Political Debate

Portugal's government is pushing a reform to replace 13 non‑contributory welfare programmes with a "Prestação Social Única". The legislation must be approved by the end of August or the country risks losing about €500 million of EU Recovery Fund support. The Socialist Party says the draft lacks transparency and objects to a clause requiring beneficiaries to perform 15 hours of unpaid social work per week. Chega's leader André Ventura demands a five‑year residency requirement for immigrants to qualify and proposes reallocating funds from the existing Rendimento Social de Inserção to those with disabilities or dependent children. The European Anti‑Poverty Network warned that mandatory work could increase stigma for the most vulnerable.

In other news, Portugal's national football team beat Chile 2‑1 in a pre‑World Cup friendly, with goals from Gonçalo Guedes and Bruno Fernandes. A red card was shown to Rafael Leão, leaving the sides to finish the match with ten players each. Coach Roberto Martínez praised the performance but urged better first‑half efficiency ahead of the tournament.