The parliamentary leader of the PSD, Hugo Soares, defended that there is no controversy surrounding the mandatory nature of the so-called social solidarity activity associated with the Single Social Benefit (PSU), ensuring that the measure remains a condition of access to social support. The statements arise in a context of political divergence between PSD and PS over the interpretation of the agreement reached in the Assembly of the Republic.
He cites an interview with the toucan, in which he stated that the reading of the law is clear and that there is no room for doubt regarding the maintenance of the mandatory measure. The parliamentary leader also highlighted that the proposal was approved and that it was an “important day for Portugal” at the legislative level.
“There is no controversy at all”
In a comment space with a sports focus, Hugo Soares sought to simplify the reading of the measure, comparing it to generally known sports rules. According to the same source, the PSD parliamentary leader stated that “the issue is very simple, there is no controversy and all you need to do is read the law”, adding that understanding the rules is enough to clarify their application.
The social democrat also explained that social solidarity activity aims to involve beneficiaries in community support tasks, integrated into local structures. Hugo Soares said that these activities may include work in parish councils, private social solidarity institutions or support for the elderly in specific contexts, framing the measure as a contribution to social integration.
Political debate on the interpretation of the measure
Despite the PSD’s position, the understanding of the scope of the measure generated different readings between the two main parties.
Notícias ao Minuto writes that the socialist parliamentary leader, Eurico Brilhante Dias, and the socialist José Luís Carneiro presented different interpretations about the mandatory nature of the activity, with references to possible changes in the model initially discussed.
Divergences between political versions
In a press conference at the Assembly of the Republic, Eurico Brilhante Dias stated that the social work component would no longer be mandatory, becoming part of an individual insertion plan.
According to the same source, José Luís Carneiro later added that the initial version that provided for around 15 hours of mandatory activity may have been changed within the scope of the political agreement.
PSD maintains mandatory reading
Despite the differences, Hugo Soares reiterated the PSD’s position, insisting that social solidarity activity continues to be a mandatory condition for access to the Single Social Benefit. According to the same source, the social democratic leader stated that there are no alternative interpretations, stressing that the measure is intended to promote social integration through community participation.
The PSD parliamentary leader reinforced his position with a direct comparison, seeking to emphasize the party’s conviction in reading the measure. According to Hugo Soares, social work for the beneficiaries of this support “is as mandatory as Portugal beating Colombia”, a formulation that marked his public intervention on the topic.
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