Chega and PS added more than 100 proposals for changes to the State Budget in this specialty and coincide in some strategic desires, despite putting themselves on the margins of understanding with each other to get measures approved. The DN knows that this is the PS’s disposition, especially because it considers that Chega’s proposals greatly unbalance the State’s accounts. “The PS is a responsible party and will fulfill its responsibilities” by opting to abstain from “most of the proposals” for changes presented by the parties”, declared deputy Miguel Costa Matos.
According to what was possible to know, Chega will not intend to make PS proposals viable, even though it is aware that an understanding between the two opposition parties most represented in Parliament would dictate the correction of the State Budget.
Pensions
In pensions, first hand, André Ventura called for a consensus between the three most represented parties in Parliament for a permanent increase of 1.5% in pensions up to 1567.50 euros, therefore beyond what is foreseen. Last year, Chega allowed the PS’s proposal for an additional increase in pensions by 1.25% to become viable, however the socialists are now defending that the extraordinary supplement be converted into a permanent increase so that it counts towards the formation of the 2027 pension.
The PS considers Chega’s measure to be financially irresponsible, instead arguing that its measures preserve the budget surplus. With an understanding between the two parties, the Government would have to make new calculations for the State Budget, but an agreement between PS and Chega does not seem possible. Other parties presented proposals on this matter: the PCP wants a permanent increase of 5%, not less than 75 euros, and the Left Bloc proposes a minimum increase of 50 euros per pensioner. They would need favorable votes from PS and Chega to see the proposal approved.
IVA
In VAT there is an important differentiation. Although Chega defends a zero tax on a basket of essential foods, the PS proposes that the application of tax revenue from the elimination of the discount on the Tax on Petroleum Products be channeled towards reducing VAT to 6% or, in some cases, tax exemption, on essential food goods. Therefore, Pedro Nuno Santos’ zero VAT measure is not used, in order to recognize that the budget surplus does not allow for such a margin. The Government has already signaled that it intends to begin a gradual process to eliminate discounts on the Tax on Petroleum and Energy Products (ISP). As Chega is a long-known banner, this agreement will be unfeasible with André Ventura.
Tolls
At the tolls, the Government spoke out against the dissolution, even going against some electoral promises made by AD candidates. In 2024, the end of the former SCUT was agreed by PS and Chega. Now, the far-right party defends a phased plan to progressively reduce and free tolls across the country, listing numerous regions where he wants to see the porticos removed. The PS proposes to exempt tolls on the A6 motorway and the sections of the A2 that serve Alentejo for residents and companies based in the regionwhich Frederico Francisco, a socialist deputy, told Lusa cost 20.5 million euros annually. The socialist group defends temporarily suspending tolls for heavy vehicles on the A41, A19 and A8 while studies are carried out on congestion and future financing models for the road network. Without the National Railway Plan having advanced as the PS wanted, exempting freight transport would be a way of increasing economic competitivenessdefend the socialists.
Other themes
Chega and PS have approximate commissions charged on mortgage loan repayments. André Ventura proposes a maximum single rate of 0.5% for the acquisition or construction of a permanent home, defending greater predictability in credit management costs. The PS is more demanding and wants to permanently exempt mortgage loan amortization operations under a variable rate regime from commissions.
Another topic that would go unnoticed were it not for the request of the president of the Constitutional Court, José João Abrantes, has to do with the increase of 1.6 million euros for Ratton Palace. The Government expressed its opposition, but the opposition parties, PS, Chega and the left of Parliament, made themselves available for understanding.