Portugal’s Socialist Party (PS) is criticizing the government’s response to recent severe weather events, alleging a lack of sensitivity and effectiveness in providing aid to affected regions. The criticism comes as assessments indicate agricultural losses could reach €1 billion, while government aid currently totals around €40 million.
PS Secretary-General José Luís Carneiro stated he has spoken with local officials who have expressed concerns about the sluggish pace of restoring electricity and essential infrastructure. He pointed to a government offer of €10,000 to families for home repairs as insufficient to meet the needs of those impacted.
The PS is proposing a system where families could cover up to 10 percent of their previous year’s income above the initial €10,000, with the state covering any costs exceeding that threshold. “These measures fall within the perimeter of state support,” Carneiro assured.
“What is lacking from the government? It is lacking sensitivity and effectiveness in its response,” Carneiro said. “I would very much like the government to have the democratic humility to accept what the PS proposes, and if it does not accept it, to contest it.”
Carneiro also emphasized the difficulty of the position of Minister of Internal Administration, noting the importance of political experience. This comes after Maria Lúcia Amaral resigned from the post last week.
Regarding the appointment of Paulo Fernandes to oversee reconstruction efforts, Carneiro expressed approval, stating Fernandes “has proven his ability to implement public policies.”
The PS leader also raised concerns about conflicting signals from within the government regarding financial support for recovery. He noted that the Minister of Economy advocated for mobilizing support for both recovery and emergency response, while the Minister of Finance took a “relatively distinct” position. “I saw the government with two positions, and therefore it will be very important for the Prime Minister to clarify his stance,” Carneiro insisted.
Carneiro further accused the current government of favoring the far-right Chega party over the Socialist Party. “The government has shown that it does not seek to dialogue with the Socialist Party and has opted for Chega and Dr. André Ventura,” he claimed. He warned that Prime Minister António Costa “cannot and should not ignore the Socialist Party.”
He attributed this perceived disregard to “insensitivity” and “arrogance,” suggesting it reflects a desire to leave Costa reliant on support from Chega. “The Prime Minister has ignored and disregarded the Socialist Party, and Here’s unacceptable to the Portuguese people who since 1976 have trusted the PS as one of the major parties that supports democratic life,” Carneiro stated.
Carneiro affirmed that the PS is prepared to support the government in ensuring adequate assistance reaches families, workers, businesses, and local authorities. “We looked at the public accounts and from the beginning we understood that the Government needed to clarify these accounts,” he said.
