Montenegro calls for end to collective masochism on oil prices at UN General Assembly

Fuel price volatility and the 1970s crisis

Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro addressed the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on 24 September 2026, focusing his intervention on the economic pressure caused by rising fuel prices. He stated that international geopolitical turmoil has produced a senseless energy crisis with broad social consequences, noting that no country remains immune to the fallout. Montenegro urged the international community to heed the lessons of the 1970s oil crisis to prevent a prolonged cycle of disruption. He proposed an international debate on how global oil prices are established, questioning the degree to which production sectors depend on financial speculation and futures markets.

This is a senseless crisis because it is bad for everyone. We must put an end to this kind of collective masochism. And we must do it quickly to close this chapter, which harms everyone.

Freedom of navigation and Middle East conflicts

Montenegro connected energy market disruptions directly to ongoing international hostilities, emphasizing the need to conclude protracted conflicts. He explicitly criticized Iran and its allied armed groups for regional instability, pointing to attacks on neighboring states, merchant vessels, and civilian infrastructure. To secure global transit routes, Montenegro demanded an immediate end to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and insisted on full freedom of navigation. He also expressed opposition to the introduction of transit tolls in the Red Sea, advocating for safe and unhindered maritime passage. Addressing the broader crisis in the Middle East, the prime minister called for an immediate halt to the humanitarian tragedy and reiterated Portugal's commitment to a two-state solution.

In the Middle East, the humanitarian tragedy must cease and we must move towards a two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine coexisting as two sovereign states in peace and security.

Support for Ukraine and the United Nations

In his remarks on Eastern Europe, Montenegro condemned Russia for waging an illegal aggression and brutal war against Ukraine, reaffirming Lisbon's comprehensive support for Kyiv and calling for a just and lasting peace. The prime minister opened his general debate appearance by praising UN Secretary-General António Guterres for his defense of the UN Charter, international law, and multilateralism. The speech took place months before Portugal takes up its elected seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Montenegro thanked member states for their backing and advocated for greater institutional transparency within the council.

Assembly hall atmosphere after Netanyahu address

Montenegro took the podium in a largely emptied hall following an address by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu's speech had begun with delays after the President of the UN General Assembly intervened to calm demonstrators, as his arrival drew boos, some applause, and widespread walkouts by diplomatic delegations. Only one Portuguese representative stayed in the room during the Israeli address. Prior to Montenegro taking the floor, Portuguese Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel, Health Minister Ana Paula Martins, and Secretary of State Salvador Malheiro entered the hall to take their seats.