The re-elected leader of the PSD, Luís Montenegro, ended his first speech at the party’s 42nd Congress by guaranteeing that there is much that sets his government apart from previous socialist executives. The meeting was held in Braga this weekend.
In addition to comparing their performance in key areas such as healthcare and public policy, Montenegro also targeted Pedro Nuno Santos, the secretary-general of the PS.
Pedro Nuno Santos and the State Budget Proposal
On Thursday, Pedro Nuno Santos declared that the 2025 State Budget proposal is viable, emphasizing that the Government stands isolated and more reliant than ever on the main opposition party.
Read More About: PS Leader Pedro Nuno Santos Surprises With Unexpected 2025 State Budget Announcement
Luís Montenegro, to much applause from the congressmen, added that this register of proximity has the potential to leave some a little disoriented. He said:
There are still those who say that we are isolated. No. We are getting closer to those who matter, which are the Portuguese men and women, families, companies and institutions.
Contrasting Legacies
In a subtle reference to the last three socialist prime ministers—António Guterres, José Sócrates, and António Costa—the re-elected PSD leader declared:
We are not descendants of swamps, bankruptcies or impoverishment.
He then contrasted this with the legacies of his party, highlighting Francisco Pinto Balsemão’s sense of state, Aníbal Cavaco Silva’s transformational leadership, the patriotism of Durão Barroso and Pedro Santana Lopes, the courage of Pedro Passos Coelho, and Francisco Sá Carneiro’s social-democratic values.
He stated, people are fed up with intrigues, tricks, and juggling, in what was likely the closest part of his speech to addressing the recent accusations made by André Ventura.
Luís Montenegro emphasized a policy approach based on listening, reflecting, thinking, and then deciding with responsibility, courage, and a sense of justice. He also acknowledged,
We don’t always get it right, but we don’t zigzag either.
Governance and Recent Accomplishments
In reflecting on his recent actions, the Prime Minister repeatedly emphasized, “We are not the same as those who came before us,” often avoiding direct mention of the PS.
The party will meet on Monday in the National Political Commission to confirm its decision to abstain from voting on the 2025 State Budget proposal, both in general and overall.
Despite not naming the PS, the Prime Minister consistently highlighted distinctions across various areas of governance.
The IRS Jovem was part of a series of strategic decisions aimed at enhancing, retaining, and valuing talent and human capital in Portugal.
The Social Democrat leader emphasized the recognition and interest he had received from several EU Member State counterparts during the European Council meeting last Thursday.
Speaking earlier about health issues, he stressed that this is a matter of life and death. Montenegro stated:
Unlike what happened six months ago, no cancer patient waits longer than the recommended time for surgery
We are doing things differently and making a real impact, said the re-elected PSD leader. He highlighted the increase in the Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly, which went from 550 to 600 euros and will soon rise to 630 euros.
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He also pointed to the adjustment of IRS brackets to twice the expected inflation and the exemption from taxes and contributions on performance and productivity bonuses.
Immigration Policy
Regarding immigration, Montenegro stated that they inherited a mess and a complete lack of control. He emphasized that the AD Government has aimed to strengthen regulation and foster a sense of responsibility to safeguard the dignity of the people.
The goal is to integrate immigrants by surrounding them with their families and providing access to jobs. He reiterated, echoing phrases from his electoral campaign for the legislative elections and said:
We do not want a country locked up, but we also do not want a country with its doors wide open.
New Party Members and Strategic Motion
Luís Montenegro, re-elected without opposition in direct elections with an impressive 97.45% of the Social Democrat votes, began his first speech at the 42nd PSD Congress by introducing the newest members of the party:
He described this investment in two of the best young talents Portugal has to offer” as a chance to celebrate the electoral victories from his first term as party leader. Montenegro argued that this same strategy should lead to successes in next year’s local elections.
Furthermore, Montenegro emphasized the importance of principles like setting aside personal interests and vanities, engaging with society, listening to the needs of communities, and presenting credible teams, candidates, and projects to achieve the PSD’s electoral goals.
In his strategic motion for re-election, he outlined his objectives to reclaim social-democratic leadership in the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities (ANMP) and the National Association of Parishes (ANAFRE).
He identified a set of key principles, akin to a decalogue, necessary for this success: preparation, humility, hard work, persistence, resilience, openness, proximity, teamwork, competence, and a focus on the future.
