The secretary-general of the PS, José Luís Carneiro, criticized this Wednesday the Executive's actions in Porto, on the sidelines of the presentation of the memoir book of former deputy Renato Sampaio, accusing the Government of "giving with one hand and taking with the two". The reaction came after the Council of Ministers approved the extension of agricultural diesel support until the end of the year, with an estimated expenditure of 15 million euros, in addition to support for the fishing sector.
José Luís Carneiro considered the measure insufficient given the increase in tax revenue. He stated that the State raised 600 million euros in VAT not foreseen in the State Budget and another 600 million resulting from the increase in fuel taxes adopted in 2024 and 2025. According to the socialist leader, between what it gives and what it takes, the Government keeps 400 million euros in state coffers.
The PS leader emphasized that the population faces increasing financial difficulties, illustrating this with the case of a 78-year-old pensioner he knows in Porto. The elderly woman, who combines two small pensions and pays 200 euros in rent, continues to work in cleaning and cannot access the Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly due to issuing receipts. Carneiro warned that the Government cannot remain insensitive to the sacrifice of families.
Regarding the PS proposal for reducing VAT on fuels and the negotiation of the next State Budget, José Luís Carneiro deferred a definitive position until after the presentation of the government proposal in October, stating that he wants to "see to believe". As for the PISA study results showing a decline in Portuguese students' performance, the PS leader deferred a detailed analysis for the coming days.
