The economy minister acknowledged on Wednesday that the fiscal measures announced by the prime minister, including the reduction of income tax up to the sixth bracket and a bonus for pensioners, are not enough to cope with the cost of living for the Portuguese. Despite the limitations, the official argued that these represent "the support that is possible" in the current context.
The minister's statement comes as a response to criticism that the Executive is not doing enough to support citizens facing inflation and the rising cost of living in Portugal. The official implicitly acknowledged that there are unmet needs, but argued that the Government is acting within the available budgetary possibilities.
The measures in question include tax cuts in income tax for taxpayers up to the sixth income bracket, as well as an extraordinary subsidy for pensioners. These were presented by the prime minister as part of a broader set of initiatives to mitigate the impact of the economic crisis on Portuguese families.
The Ministry of Economy thus acknowledges that, although the measures represent an effort by the Executive, there is an awareness that the support provided does not fully cover the difficulties faced by the Portuguese population in the current economic context.
