The government is expected to approve a new set of support this Thursday with a direct impact on the economy and, potentially, on the budgets of families and companies. The measures, which will be presented later in the day, come in a context of pressure on prices and rising energy costs.
According to , the Prime Minister anticipated some of the decisions during the fortnightly debate in Parliament, signaling a package focused on sectors more exposed to the current international situation, and the objective is to mitigate the effects of rising costs, especially in transport and fuel, areas particularly sensitive to external instability.
Transport at the center of measures
Among the decisions already known is the postponement of the payment of INSS contributions by cargo transport companies. This measure should cover the months of April, May and June.
The intention is to alleviate financial pressure on the sector, allowing greater liquidity in a high-cost phase. This is a direct response to the impact that the increase in fuel prices has had on the activity. In addition, direct support of 30 million euros is planned for the transport of goods on behalf of third parties.
Support also reaches public transport
The package also includes support of 10 million euros for public passenger transport, especially that which operates under a public service regime.
According to the same source, this amount must be paid in one go, in an attempt to ensure speed in the implementation of the measures. This reinforcement comes at a time when operators are facing difficulties associated with increased operating costs.
Fuels and intervention margin
Another highlight is the Government’s intention to ask the European Commission for greater flexibility in State aid rules.
This measure could open up space for new support mechanisms, particularly with regard to the formation of fuel prices. The concrete details are not yet known, but the possibility of introducing additional discounts is on the table.
ICMS zero is left out for now
During the parliamentary debate, the hypothesis of applying zero ICMS to the basic food basket was also discussed, a proposal defended by some parties.
The Prime Minister ruled out this possibility, arguing that it would not have the intended effect in alleviating the cost of living. Even so, the Government admits to studying other forms of support aimed at consumers, especially the most vulnerable.
Despite the general guidelines already known, the complete details of the measures should only be released after the Council of Ministers meeting. Until then, there is an indication that the package focuses on strategic areas of the economy, with a potential indirect impact on citizens’ daily lives.
According to Notícias ao Minuto, this set of support aims to respond to a demanding economic context, although the real scope of the measures can only be assessed after their implementation.
In the end, the decisions that will be known throughout the day could translate into a “break” for some sectors and, indirectly, for the wallets of many Portuguese people.
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