Last-Minute Government Moves: Key Measures Unveiled Before Confidence Vote

On the eve of the confidence vote in Parliament, amidst expectations of governmental resignation, the executive has revealed its final initiatives. Following what may be the last Council of Ministers meeting, the government announced several significant measures:

• Salary increases for public sector careers
• 200 new preschool classrooms
• Tax simplification measures
• An incentive scheme for nurses
• Approval of the National Railway Plan
• Increased funding for the construction of the Violet Line of Lisbon's metro, especially crucial in an election year.

Even if the government falls this Tuesday, Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro, emphasized that the executive would continue to approve measures on processes that have already undergone political and legislative decisions.

Leitão Amaro reiterated that Portuguese citizens do not desire elections but prefer the Parliament to support the government in its governance. He directed criticism towards the PS and Chega, suggesting these parties are pivotal in determining whether elections will occur.

In response to the PS's calls for the government to withdraw the confidence motion, Amaro argued that if the PS does not want elections, it should support the confidence motion instead. Regarding the parliamentary inquiry committee proposed by the PS, he acknowledged its legitimacy but expressed concern over the party's approach, suggesting written questions would have sufficed.

Prime Minister Has Responded to Almost Everything

Amaro asserted that the Prime Minister has addressed nearly all inquiries related to the Spinumviva family business, claiming that some wish to ignore these responses. Although the answers were submitted to the parties, Amaro pointed out that Luís Montenegro would provide clarifications shortly, emphasizing the Prime Minister's willingness to answer questions about his professional background and family ties, a rarity for any Prime Minister in Portugal.

As for the timing of the President's decision to dissolve Parliament, Amaro refrained from commenting to avoid influencing Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa's timeline. He redirected attention back to the confidence vote, indicating that the Parliament will voice its stance on whether to dismiss the government.