Montenegro hits back at opposition after labor reform defeat, insists no political crisis at PSD congress
At the PSD's 43rd congress, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro and senior party figures sharpened criticism of PS and Chega after the rejection of a labor reform package, while dismissing talk of a political crisis.
Congress opens after labor bill defeat
Yesterday's parliamentary rejection of the labor reform package cast a shadow over the opening of the 43rd PSD congress in Anadia. Prime Minister Luís Montenegro used his opening address to accuse opposition parties of "lack of courage" and putting interests before the country. He said the opposition "vibrate with politiquice and mistreat change," and described the PS's strategy under José Luís Carneiro as "manhosa" (cunning).
He also reiterated the party's line of "no is no" regarding any coalition with Chega and refusal of a central bloc with the PS.I am everything but worried about my political future. I am not one to be intimidated.
Party leaders rally around reformist agenda
Minister of the Presidency António Leitão Amaro told Observador that the PS had become "more immobilist and oppositionist" than under Pedro Nuno Santos, going so far as to adopt positions similar to the PCP on immigration and labor reform.
Lisbon mayor Carlos Moedas called the rejection "sad" and said Chega had "joined the entire left and extreme left against the country moving forward." Education minister Fernando Alexandre praised Montenegro for recovering the party's social-democratic matrix, invoking the legacy of Aníbal Cavaco Silva.The behavior of the PS leader was not what the Portuguese expected from the person they knew.
Government dismisses talk of political crisis
Despite the legislative setback, Leitão Amaro insisted the government was not facing a political crisis.
He said the rejection "was not about political stability" and that the government would continue to introduce reforms. PSD vice-president Alexandre Poço framed the moment as a clash between two blocs: one led by Montenegro representing "initiative, future, hope and change," and a "bloc of blockade" comprising forces that "ensure the country does not advance."We are not in any political crisis. God forbid we ever be.
Congress continues through Sunday
The congress, held at the Velódromo de Sangalhos under the motto "Trabalhar - Fazer Portugal Maior," will run until Sunday lunchtime. Militants heard speeches from several ministers and deputies, with a moment of enthusiastic applause when a Faro delegate asked the hall to stand in tribute to the prime minister's leadership.
- Parliament rejects government's labor reform package
- 43rd PSD Congress opens; Montenegro delivers speech criticizing opposition
- Congress expected to conclude (Sunday lunchtime)
