Montenegro Claims PS Unaccustomed to Opposition Role as Chega Shows Signs of Responsibility

In a recent interview, Prime Minister Luís Montenegro expressed surprise at the PS's threat to break with the Government, stating the party is "not accustomed" to being in opposition. He also noted that Chega is beginning to demonstrate greater responsibility in the political arena.

During his appearance on Antena 1's "Política com Assinatura", Montenegro reiterated his stance of having no preferred or exclusive dialogue partner. He emphasized that Chega, led by André Ventura, has been "normalized" in Portuguese politics for a long time and urged the PS to exhibit "democratic humility" in this new political era.

Montenegro reflected on the PS's recent radicalization, contrasting it with the expected political line from its current leadership. He shared his own experiences of facing "very difficult moments" within his party, highlighting the challenges of political life.

The Prime Minister defended his party against accusations of normalizing Chega, pointing out instances where both Chega and the PS collaborated in passing legislation. He questioned the double standards in political discourse, asking why cooperation between Chega and the PSD is viewed differently.

Addressing the equivalence of PS and Chega as government alternatives, Montenegro stressed the importance of respecting the Portuguese people's will, dismissing any offense taken as a disregard for democratic principles.

On the topic of public finances, Montenegro praised the strict budgetary management that has allowed for current distributions, vowing to prevent a return to fiscal imbalance. He acknowledged the contributions of past governments, notably Pedro Passos Coelho, in maintaining public account stability.

Internationally, Montenegro admitted dissatisfaction with the initial EU budget proposal, anticipating tough negotiations ahead. He also recognized the potential significant impacts of U.S. tariffs on Portugal, advocating for prudence and European coordination over hasty retaliations.