UGT elects Rosa Sousa as president at 15th Congress

The 15th Congress of the General Workers' Union (UGT) in Figueira da Foz has concluded with significant leadership changes and structural reforms. Rosa Sousa was elected president for the next four-year term, succeeding Lucinda Dâmaso, who had held the position since 2013. Mário Mourão was re-elected to a second term as Secretary-General.

Delegates approved changes to the union's statutes, including new limits on mandates for executive bodies. Under the new rules, leaders can serve up to three consecutive full terms. Additionally, age limits were established, prohibiting those of legal retirement age from being elected to the Executive Secretariat.

The union also approved its Programmatic Resolution for 2026–2030, prioritizing wage increases, the strengthening of unionism, and the sustainability of Social Security. The UGT noted a decline in membership, reporting approximately 430,000 affiliates, a decrease of 5,000 over the last four years. The organization emphasized its commitment to autonomous and independent unionism while addressing modern challenges such as technological transformations and precarious employment.