Intense Political Debate: Tavares and Rocha Clash Over Economic Policies and Social Security

Political Tensions Rise in Legislative Debate

In a heated debate on Sunday, Rui Tavares, the spokesperson for Livre, accused the Iniciativa Liberal (IL) of "irresponsibility and adventure". This confrontation took place in the context of the upcoming legislative elections scheduled for May 18. The leaders of IL and Livre faced off on CNN Portugal, with the sustainability of Social Security being a pivotal topic.

Rui Rocha, leader of IL, emphasized the need for individuals to have the tools to build their savings, suggesting that businesses should also contribute to this savings in a fiscally advantageous manner. He criticized Livre's proposal of providing €5,000 support for every newborn, labeling it as "financially irresponsible and socially unjust".

Rocha stated, "This is about reinstating inheritance tax under certain conditions... which sends a clear message: don’t come to Portugal with your assets, and for those already here, remove your assets because they will be taxed." He stressed the urgency of lowering taxes for those currently suffering in the country.

Furthermore, Rocha accused Livre of undermining youth by attempting to eliminate a small benefit currently available to young taxpayers under the IRS regime.

In response, Tavares highlighted that the IRS is costly for the State and only benefits higher salaries. He stated, "We want to help all young people, not just those with higher salaries." He also critiqued IL's plans for reducing State expenses and privatization initiatives, arguing that selling off public companies like CP, RTP, and Caixa Geral de Depósitos would not yield recurring revenue.

As the debate progressed, Rocha asserted that voting for Livre would effectively be handing votes to the BE and PCP, pointing out their voting records, claiming that Livre supported 95% of PCP's proposals and 99% of BE's proposals. He concluded by reiterating that although Livre presents itself as moderate, it is, "somewhere between the sickle and the hammer."