Portugal’s New Government: Navigating Complex Issues and Political Tensions

A week after being appointed by the President of the Republic, Luís Montenegro returned to the Belém Palace to form a new Government. During a brief hearing with the Head of State, he unveiled the names of his chosen team members. Shortly after, the list was made public. Montenegro surrounded himself with political heavyweights in preparation for uncertain and unstable times due to parliamentary weakness.

Key positions in the new Government have been assigned to prominent figures. Paulo Rangel will handle Foreign Affairs, while Joaquim Miranda Sarmiento will serve as Minister of Finance. Another important figure, Miguel Pinto Luz, will oversee Infrastructure and Housing. The team faces significant challenges such as TAP’s privatization and housing issues affecting the middle class and youth.

Miranda Sarmiento inherits a positive fiscal scenario, with the largest budget surplus in 50 years. This surplus will allow the new team to address demands for salary improvements in various professional groups. Despite pressure from far-right party Chega, Montenegro excluded them from the Government, causing tension between him and its leader, André Ventura.

The new Cabinet includes seven women in key ministerial positions. Montenegro’s decision to exclude Chega reflects his commitment to governing with the PS. The future Government is expected to navigate a complex political landscape with challenges such as addressing salary demands and managing parliamentary scrutiny.

Montenegro’s appointment of a team of political heavyweights signals his determination to tackle some of Portugal’s most pressing issues head-on. With Chega excluded from the government, tensions are likely to remain high between Montenegro and its leader André Ventura.

Despite this challenge, Montenegro’s decision to exclude Chega reflects his commitment to governing with Portugal’s largest socialist party (PS). The future government is likely to face significant challenges such as addressing salary demands from various professional groups while navigating parliamentary scrutiny.

In conclusion, Luís Montenegro has assembled a cabinet that is well equipped to tackle some of Portugal’s most pressing issues head-on. While tensions may remain high with far-right party Chega excluded from the government, Montenegro’s commitment to working with socialists will likely lead him down a successful path towards stability and progress for Portugal’s future.