Immigration Controversy: Left-Wing Parties Accuse Government of Competing with Far-Right for Votes

Criticism of Government's Immigration Notification

The spokesperson for Livre, Rui Tavares, criticized the government's announcement to notify 4,574 foreign citizens to voluntarily leave the country, calling it a "promised electoral tactic" aimed at competing for votes with the far-right. This statement was made during a visit to the Mercado da Afurada in Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto district.

Tavares reacted to the declarations of the Minister of the Presidency, António Leitão Amaro, who confirmed that the Agency for Migration Integration and Asylum (AIMA) would begin notifying these foreign citizens next week. This is part of a larger total of 18,000 rejected immigration cases. Tavares remarked that the government is using state communication for party convenience, especially for the PSD party.

Concerns Over Immigration Policy

He emphasized that the PSD has consistently exploited immigration issues, which are integral to the Portuguese economy and society. Tavares highlighted that even if the government’s numbers are taken seriously, the 4,500 immigrants in the first phase of deportation should be viewed alongside the 1.6 million immigrants contributing positively to society.

Tavares criticized the current government for using immigration to incite distrust, prejudice, and hatred, asserting that it is essential to address immigration issues honestly and constructively, as they significantly impact labor markets, salaries, and social cohesion.

Bloco de Esquerda’s Stance

Mariana Mortágua, from the Bloco de Esquerda, echoed Tavares' sentiments, accusing the PSD of campaigning alongside the far-right. She asserted that the root causes of problems such as housing and low wages lie not with immigrants, but with a wealthy elite exploiting everyone, including emigrants.

Mortágua firmly rejected the far-right's scapegoating tactics, advocating for public services, housing, dignity, and humanity for all. When asked if she believed the government was campaigning for the PSD, she noted that it was not surprising, but lamented that the government is engaging in anti-immigrant politics to compete with Chega, a far-right party.

Socialists' Critique of Government Strategy

Pedro Nuno Santos from the PS party accused the government of using immigration as a distraction from its poor governance record in health and the economy. He claimed that the current issues being raised are merely the results of AIMA's work, which originated during the PS government, not under the current administration.

This political maneuvering raises significant concerns about how immigration is being used in the electoral arena, highlighting the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the topic in Portugal.