Visit sunday, march 10, 2024Portugal has witnessed a significant political shift with the victory of the center-right opposition in the general election. After eight years of socialist government, the Iberian country is taking a turn to the right, marked by a notable rise in populist forces, according to ballot projections broadcast by public broadcaster RTP.
Legislative elections in Portugal: The Right takes power
The Democratic Alliance (AD), led by 51-year-old Luis Montenegro, emerged on top with an estimated 29 to 33 % of the vote. However, despite this victory, the formation does not appear to be in a position to form a government majority on its own. Luis Montenegro, a former MP and parliamentary group leader during his party's previous term (2011-2015), affirmed during the campaign his commitment not to govern with the support of the far right.
The Socialist Party (PS), which won an absolute majority in the January 2022 legislative elections, is now in second place with an estimated 25-29 % of the vote. Following the resignation of Antonio Costa, the PS rallied around Pedro Nuno Santos, a 46-year-old former minister from the party's left wing.
The far-right Chega (Enough) party, led by 41-year-old André Ventura, also made significant headway, winning 14 to 17 % of the vote and consolidating its position as the country's third-largest political force. Ventura, known for his anti-corruption, anti-immigration and anti-minority rhetoric, welcomed the historic result and said he was ready to help form a stable right-wing government.
This rise of the far right comes at a significant time as Portugal prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution, marking the end of the fascist dictatorship. The stakes in this election have been heightened by the suspicions of corruption that led to Antonio Costa's resignation, as well as Ventura's concerns about growing immigration.
Democratic Alliance (DA) program presented for the legislative elections
The AD has presented an ambitious program for the Saxon legislative elections, focusing on several key areas. In tax mattersThe party is proposing a reduction in the IHT up to the 8th bracket, by cutting marginal rates by between 0.5 and three points by 2023. In addition, a progressive reduction of IRC (corporate income tax) from 21% to 15% is planned.2 percentage points per year.
In the financial sectorUnder the terms of the new government, the DA is committed to reducing public debt to less than 85% of GDP by 2028. Economic targets include GDP growth close to 3.5% at the end of this legislature and 4% the next, with a fiscal shock aimed at raising productivity to 2%. The proposals also focus on stimulating private consumption and investment, forecasting above-average growth in 2025 and 2026.
In the education sectorIn addition, the AD aims to guarantee universal, free access to day-care centers and kindergartens, by increasing state provision and involving the social, private and cooperative sectors. Adjustments to the assessment tests are envisaged, with a shift to grades 4 and 6 for Portuguese, mathematics and a third subject in rotation, every three years. In addition, the party is proposing the creation of a new learning recovery plan (A+A, "Aprender Mais Agora") aimed at supporting students, training teachers to set up a tutoring system and boosting credit hours.
In the health sectorWith the launch of the "SNS 2024-2025 Emergency Plan" within the first 60 days of government, the AD plans to launch the "SNS 2024-2025 Emergency Plan" within the first 60 days of government. This plan includes the creation of a specialized consultation voucher in the event of exceeding the maximum response time (TMRG), as well as the guarantee of a family doctor for all by the end of 2025, mobilizing professionals from all sectors (public, private and social). In addition, the program aims to guarantee annual check-ups adapted to age and risk factors, within a protocol to be created between several providers, thus promoting prevention and healthcare quality.
These comprehensive proposals outline AD's vision for Portugal's future, combining fiscal, economic, educational and healthcare reforms. Follow these initiatives closely as the country moves into a new political era.
