Winning below the national average, facing heavy taxes or waiting months for state decisions can be situations with the days counted. The new program of the AD (Democratic Alliance) coalition, which brings together PSD and CDS, presents a set of measures with direct impact on the performance of Portuguese families. But not all ideas are going unnoticed and some are already at the center of public discussion.
Promised salary increases
Among the objectives defined by the coalition, we highlight the goal of raising the national minimum wage to 1,100 euros until the end of the legislature, scheduled for 2029. The average salary should rise to the 2,000 euros in the same period, according to the executive summary of the AD program.
Also for pensioners, the plan points to guarantees of minimum income. The proposal is that no pensioner receives less than 870 euros per month in 2029.
The solidarity supplement for the elderly will be reinforced and, according to the document, the purchase of medicines will be exempt from costs for these citizens.
Tax relief for the middle class
In the fiscal level, IRS may be reduced by 2 billion euros until the end of the legislature. Of this amount, 500 million would be planned for 2025. The focus is on the middle class, with the intention of relieving the fiscal burden and stimulating the savings of families.
Measures to fix young people in Portugal
Regarding the fixation of young people in Portugal, the program reinforces measures such as Youth IRS with reduced rates, exemption from IMT and seal tax in the purchase of the first housing, and a public guarantee to facilitate access to it.
AD also promises to review public administration careers by 2027, with the aim of recognizing merit, improving qualification and introducing performance premiums for state workers.
Companies, deadlines and bureaucracy
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) may benefit from a gradual IRC reduction to 15%, while the overall rate goes down to 17%. In addition to the statement, the program provides for a state of payment for 30 days, both suppliers and citizens.
In the field of modernization, according to the, proposes a simplification of bureaucratic processes, with the promise that public services decide the requests of citizens and companies within the legal deadlines. The goal is to ensure more efficiency and predictability in state decisions.
To reinforce the economy, a bet on national industrial capacity is planned, promoting job creation and added value, without compromising the social state.
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Education and Use of Technology
The AD program also includes measures for the education sector, especially the prohibition of mobile phone use in schools until the 6th grade. The measure aims to regulate the use of technologies and social networks by children up to 12 years.
In addition, the coalition proposes the creation of up to 12,000 pre-school vacancies, especially in the territories with greater needs. The goal is to ensure access to day care centers and preschool for all children.
It is also planned to create a free study support service for needy students or at risk of exclusion, as well as the reinforcement of scholarships in higher education.
International commitments
In the area of defense, AD maintains a commitment to increase expense to 2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), aligning with Portugal’s international objectives. The goal is to anticipate this value by 2029.
External policy
In terms of foreign policy, the program reinforces Portugal’s position as a European and atlantist country, with active presence in the European Union, NATO and the community of Portuguese -speaking countries (CPLP). Regulated immigration and humanism in integration are other of the points defended.
Legislative elections are scheduled for May 18, just over a year after the end of the last government led by Luís Montenegro, who fell after the rejection of the confidence motion in Parliament.
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