In his closing speech at the 42nd PSD Congress, where he was re-elected as party president, Luís Montenegro focused on seven key decisions the Government will soon make.
Immediate Priorities
Speaking more as Prime Minister than party leader, he outlined immediate priorities, such as a historic agreement on water resource management with Spain, set to be signed in the coming days.
He also pledged a major infrastructure program to transport, retain, and store water, ensuring adequate supply for decades.
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Additionally, Montenegro promised a long-term major rehabilitation project for the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, targeting areas like Arco Ribeirinho Sul (Almada, Barreiro, and Seixal), Vale do Jamor (Lisbon and Oeiras), and the land soon to be freed by the relocation of Humberto Delgado Airport.
Vision for the Capital
Montenegro, in his closing remarks at the 42nd PSD Congress, outlined the objective of creating a synergy capable of driving revitalization, culture, housing, and environmental sustainability.
He promised to transform the area surrounding the capital into a vibrant and unified metropolis, reducing the contrasts between the two banks of the Tagus River.
Addressing Key Issues
The social democrat began outlining the government’s key decisions by addressing the issue of water, which he described as essential to our lives and future. He emphasized that the agreement between Portugal and Spain will secure minimum water flows in the Tagus River and ensure payment from Spain for the use of Alqueva water by its farmers.
Focus on Health and Education
The Prime Minister also addressed health and education. In the health sector, Montenegro introduced a measure that may seem small but will be highly significant for thousands of Portuguese people.
This initiative allows 150,000 patients to receive their medication at local pharmacies, rather than having to visit hospitals to collect their prescriptions.
Regarding education, Montenegro promised to increase public funding per classroom to expand access to preschool, enabling new association contracts. He emphasized focusing on the interests of children rather than adhering to ideological blockades.
Additionally, he announced that the Government would review primary and secondary education curricula, particularly in Citizenship studies.
This review aims to align the subject with constitutional values and ensure it is free from ideological and factional influences, addressing critics who argue that gender ideology has dominated these classes.
Immigration and Talent Attraction
On the topic of immigration, the re-elected PSD leader emphasized the construction of two temporary centers in Lisbon and Porto to handle cases of illegal or irregular immigration.
He also highlighted a program aimed at attracting talent to Portuguese universities and companies, focusing on bringing in qualified human capital to address what he described as one of the biggest barriers to Portugal’s competitiveness.
Enhancing Security
Montenegro also announced plans to enhance security by increasing police presence on the streets and expanding video surveillance systems. He emphasized the formation of multi-force teams, comprising the PJ, PSP, GNR, ASAE, and the Tax Authority, all coordinated by the Internal Security System.
These teams will focus on tackling violent crime, drug and human trafficking, and illegal immigration.
Support for Domestic Violence Victims
Regarding domestic violence, the re-elected PSD leader announced that support for victim empowerment will be doubled. He also pledged a 25 million euro investment in tele-assistance and victim transport services.
Additionally, he assured that women placed in shelters outside their area of residence will have immediate access to healthcare services.
Ovation for Leonor Beleza
At the conclusion of the notably peaceful 42nd PSD Congress, and with no immediate threat of early elections following Pedro Nuno Santos’ assurance regarding the viability of the 2025 State Budget from the PS, Montenegro praised the President of the Assembly of the Republic, Aguiar-Branco, for being the guarantor of democratic debate.
He also acknowledged the travel companions and loyal partners CDS-PP and PPM, who were often overlooked during the discussions. Montenegro emphasized that the weekend featured a positive debate, characterized by politics conducted in a civilized and dignified manner.
In greeting his new first vice-president, Leonor Beleza—who, along with Montenegro himself and the firefighters, received a standing ovation—Montenegro praised her for her spirit of companionship and service to the public and national interest.
He assured that the social democrats will continue to do their best to create a future of humanism, justice, and happiness.
In closing his speech, Montenegro emphasized the differences between his party and others, particularly Chega. He underscored the importance of governance in the interest of every human being who was born, grew up, lives, or may come to live in Portugal.
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