The government is not expected to move forward with new cuts in IR in 2026, but keeps other measures open to respond to the rise in the cost of living, including the possibility of a new bonus for retirees. In a context marked by rising prices, partly associated with international instability, the executive admits that he is evaluating different solutions, although without announcing, for now, concrete decisions.
According to , the priority is to monitor the evolution of the economy before moving forward with new measures, with the response being adjusted “week by week”.
IRS out of new measures for now
Despite the pressure on family income, no further cuts in income tax are expected in the short term. According to the same source, the government considers it premature to announce additional fiscal changes at this time, opting to maintain a margin of maneuver while assessing the impact of the economic situation.
This position comes at a time when the issue of the tax burden remains central in the political debate, especially in light of the widespread rise in prices.
Pensions remain under review
If on the one hand the IRS seems distant, the same does not happen with pensions. The possibility of a new bonus for pensioners remains on the table.
According to the publication, this measure is still being studied, without official confirmation, and may emerge as a response aimed at one of the groups most affected by the increase in the cost of living. The decision will depend on economic developments and public accounts in the coming months.
Fuels and ISP can enter the equation
Among the hypotheses under analysis is also a possible reduction in the Tax on Petroleum Products, at a time when fuel prices have been rising.
According to Notícias ao Minuto, this possibility appears as one of the alternatives to alleviate the pressure on consumers, although it has not yet been confirmed. The impact of tensions in the Middle East continues to be reflected in energy markets, influencing prices.
Government promises response “soon”
The Minister of Finance, Joaquim Miranda Sarmento, indicated that the announcement of new measures will be made depending on the evolution of the international and economic situation. According to the same source, the government official considers that it is too early to move forward with concrete decisions, but guarantees that the executive is closely monitoring the scenario. The answer, he added, should come soon, as there is greater predictability.
Political and economic pressure increases
The lack of immediate measures has been criticized by the opposition, which defends a faster response to the increase in the cost of living.
According to the publication, entities such as the Confederation of Farmers of Portugal and the Portuguese Association of Distribution Companies have also called for more effective measures, warning of the risk of loss of competitiveness in relation to Spain. The topic gains relevance in a European context in which other countries have adopted different strategies.
The most recent data indicate that Portugal ended 2025 with a budget surplus, which, in theory, opens up space for new measures. According to Notícias ao Minuto, the government recognizes this margin, but emphasizes that it cannot be automatically transferred to the following year.
Factors to consider include the financial impact of recent events, such as storms, and commitments made in areas such as Defense.
Balance between support and budgetary discipline
The executive guarantees that he intends to maintain the balance of public accounts and continue reducing debt, while meeting the needs of families. According to the same source, this balance will be decisive in defining the measures to be adopted in the coming months. The strategy is to reconcile income support with fiscal prudence, in a scenario still marked by uncertainty.
What could change in the coming months
For now, there are no final decisions, but there are signs that some measures may move forward soon, depending on the evolution of the economic context. According to Notícias ao Minuto, the government must continue to evaluate the scenario before making decisions, keeping several possibilities open.
Between what has already been defined and what is still being analyzed, there is one thing in common: the answer will not be immediate, but it may arrive sooner than expected.
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