Portugal's Socialist leader José Luís Carneiro accuses government of withholding ready homes

Socialist Party secretary‑general José Luís Carneiro said the Portuguese government has completed dozens of houses that have remained empty for up to a year and a half, alleging the delay is intentional to wait for “a new electoral cycle”. He described the hold‑up as “absolutely unacceptable and inhumane”, noting the vacant units were meant for young families, the elderly and victims of domestic violence.

Carneiro also linked the housing issue to a broader cost‑of‑living crisis, criticizing the administration’s decision to raise fuel taxes and accusing it of failing to deliver promised health‑care services, such as guaranteeing a family doctor for all citizens. He demanded Prime Minister Luís Montenegro explain recent failures in the national university‑entrance exams, calling it an “ethical imperative”. The remarks were made at the closing session of the PS’s parliamentary days in Amadora, Lisbon, where Carneiro pledged the party will continue to present measures to protect families and pensioners from inflation and war‑related price spikes.