Portuguese political parties clash over hospital project delays

The Socialist Party (PS) in Barcelos has raised concerns regarding the delayed construction of the new Barcelos/Esposende Hospital. The party claims that the Ministry of Health’s decision to conduct new studies on the feasibility of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model represents a setback. While previous commitments suggested construction could begin in late 2026, new ministerial directives have extended technical studies until March 2027. The PS also noted a lack of allocated funds for the project in the 2027 State Budget proposal.

In a separate dispute in Beja, political representatives from the PS and the Social Democratic Party (PSD) are clashing over the expansion of the Beja Hospital. PS deputy Pedro do Carmo accused the current government of failing to launch the architectural project tender for over two years and criticized the 2027 Budget for lacking financial guarantees. Conversely, PSD deputy Gonçalo Valente rejected these claims of delay, stating that the project has not yet reached the construction funding phase and accusing the PS of attempting to mislead the public.