Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa Confident in 2025 State Budget: 'It's What the Portuguese Want'

President's Assurance on State Budget

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa expressed his strong belief that there will be a viable State Budget (OE) for 2025, emphasizing the importance of common sense during this decisive moment. He stated, "I am convinced that there will be a budget approved for next year for a very simple reason... I can't see any scenario where common sense doesn't prevail, as this is what the Portuguese people want."

Avoiding Political Crisis

The President highlighted that the Portuguese do not desire a political crisis resulting from the rejection of the budget in the Assembly of the Republic. He noted, "If you were to ask the Portuguese if they want a political crisis in a month and a half or two, I believe a vast majority would say no."

Context of Global Uncertainty

Rebelo de Sousa elaborated on why he does not foresee the budget being rejected: "Given the global situation, the unpredictability surrounding the upcoming American elections, and the start of a new European cycle, along with ongoing wars and economic uncertainties in major European economies, I don't believe anyone will shy away from dialogue to reach a budget."

Call for Stability

He reiterated that the Portuguese desire stability and do not want political crises in the coming months. While discussing negotiations between the government and opposition, he refrained from commenting, stating, "This is a matter that the parties will manage, and the Assembly of the Republic will have the decisive word; I can only express what seems to be the prevailing sentiment among the Portuguese."

Public Sentiment on the Budget

Rebelo de Sousa remarked that the Portuguese have differing opinions on various solutions but agree that they want to avoid a situation where the budget is rejected, leading to a political crisis. He concluded, "Looking at the world, Europe, and the country's situation, I believe the Portuguese can do without that."