The Left Bloc accused the Government today of pursuing a path that accelerates the destruction of the National Health Service (SNS). They also claimed that the Socialist Party created mechanisms that now enable the diversion of resources to the private sector.
Opposition to the State Budget Proposal
Mariana Mortágua, the coordinator of the Left Bloc, expressed this position during a press conference at the end of the National Board meeting, which is the party’s highest body between conventions.
Speaking to journalists, the BE coordinator reiterated that her party will not support the PSD/CDS Government’s proposal for the State Budget for 2025. In her initial statement, she emphasized that today marks the 45th anniversary of the SNS.
Significance of the SNS
She described the SNS as “the greatest collective achievement of democracy,” highlighting its intrinsic connection to the April 25, 1974 revolution and the development of the Social State.
Criticism of Prime Minister Luís Montenegro
She then referred to the message that Prime Minister Luís Montenegro left about the anniversary of the SNS, in which she lamented the existence of ideological prejudices.
Mariana Mortágua pointed out that:
I heard the cynical words of the Prime Minister who says he defends the NHS, while at the same time accusing those who fight for the NHS of ideological prejudice.
Contrast Between BE and Government
The Left Bloc coordinator argued that the concept Luís Montenegro dismisses as ideological prejudice is the very principle that founded and has supported the NHS for its 45 years.
She contrasted the BE’s commitment to universal, state-organized healthcare with what she described as the government’s push for private interests aimed at dismantling the NHS.
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According to her, Luís Montenegro and his government are aligned with this latter approach.
Criticism of the PS
After arguing that the current government is actively and rapidly dismantling the NHS by transferring services to privately managed entities, Mariana Mortágua also criticized the PS.
Mortágua stressed that:
The instruments that the PSD Government is using to dismantle the NHS were created, developed and maintained by the PS. Implementing a radical right-wing liberal Budget and opposing the left is not practically impossible. It is completely impossible.
The BE coordinator went even further in her warnings to the PS. She said that:
It is completely impossible to say that you are defending the NHS and support or make viable a Budget that destroys it, day after day, step after step, decision after decision.
