The Secretary General of the PCP stated today that the Government’s 2025 State Budget proposal violates the constitutional principles and is part of what he described as a counterrevolutionary process.
Inauguration of the Mural
Paulo Raimundo made these remarks during the inauguration of a mural in downtown Lisbon, organized by the PCP.
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The mural, composed of 924 tiles, commemorates the 50th anniversary of the April 25th Revolution and features references to several articles of the Portuguese Constitution, including principles like equality and rights to housing and education.
Conflict Between Budget and Mural Principles
When asked whether he considers that the principles contained in the State Budget are in conflict with those painted on the mural, Paulo Raimundo replied: Of course, of course. He argued:
Not only are they, they are deliberately offensive. It is a budget, based on a government’s choice and policy, which is part of a counterrevolutionary process. What is here [on the wall] is the Revolution. What is being done today in our country is the counterrevolution.
During his speech at the mural’s inauguration ceremony, Paulo Raimundo stated that the counterrevolutionary process is underway and accelerating. He emphasized the need for resistance to return to the path that should never have been abandoned—a path reflected in every line, silhouette, drawing, and painting of the mural.
Raimundo added:
There, on this wall, is everything that cannot be found and could not be found in right-wing politics, in this counter-revolutionary policy, now being implemented by the hands of the PSD and the CDS. A policy, an option, a programme and naturally a Budget that, presented by the Government, is in practice written by the hands of economic groups.
Critique of the State Budget
According to Paulo Raimundo, beyond the propaganda, fallacy, illusion, and distraction they seek to impose, the State Budget is an instrument that furthers the ongoing path of low wages and pensions, and persistent difficulties in accessing housing, the National Health Service, public schools, daycare centers, culture, and investment in public services.
He further said that:
A State Budget clearly at the service of the minority, and which does not serve the majority, the workers, the people, the retired, the youth, does not serve those who live and work here and, if this is the case, it can only count on the PCP’s rejection and fight.
Addressing Political Controversies
In response to questions from journalists, Paulo Raimundo also addressed the alleged secret meetings between Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and the leaders of Chega and IL, André Ventura and Rui Rocha.
The PCP’s secretary general reiterated that he does not view the situation as either good or bad. However, he expressed regret over the ongoing discussions about a budget that did not exist for about a month.
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Now that the proposal is finally available, he criticized the fact that attention has shifted away from its actual content, avoiding a substantive debate.
Confidence in PCP’s Position
When questioned about whether the controversies surrounding accusations of dishonesty could damage the credibility of the political class in the eyes of the public, Paulo Raimundo responded confidently.
He stated that, in this matter, the PCP stands very tall, acting with full transparency and directness, and without any issues. Ironically, he added:
You can’t accuse us of any of that. I’m even going to give you some bombshell news: there was no meeting with the general secretary of the PCP or the prime minister. Open the news with this bombshell news that will have an extraordinary consequence on people’s lives.
The Impact of Political Choices
Paulo Raimundo emphasized that what truly discredits party leaders is not merely the accusations they hurl at each other but the real impact of their political choices on people’s lives.
He stressed that the decisions they make have tangible consequences, and it is these outcomes that matter most to the public. Furthermore, he added:
Because we are facing a situation in which we need more professionals for the NHS, more doctors and nurses. What is the State Budget’s response to this? Zero. And what has been discussed? Is it whether or not there have been meetings, whether or not this person is lying. With us, no, they are not counting on that.
