Montenegro's Controversial Stance on Immigrants: A Call for Integration Amid Security Concerns

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has expressed his discomfort upon seeing images of immigrants with their hands against the wall in Martim Moniz, stating, "I honestly did not like to see that. Visually, I found it unsettling. It's an anomalous situation, not reflective of everyday life." In an interview with Diário de Notícias, he emphasized that he has never associated immigration with insecurity and firmly believes that such a connection does not exist.

Montenegro supported the police's operational decisions during the incident, stating that they had no alternative. He also clarified that he did not communicate with anyone regarding the operation, distancing himself from any influence over police actions. He reiterated the importance of security for freedom, acknowledging the subjective perceptions of insecurity that arise from various reports on internal security.

Regarding immigration, Montenegro stated that immigrants should be viewed as "new Portuguese" and highlighted the need for thousands of workers in the construction sector. He advocated for an open approach to immigration, allowing many to stay in the country as the Portuguese did when they emigrated, while stressing the necessity for immigrants to integrate and adapt to Portuguese society.

Challenging Centeno and Ignoring the Admiral

Montenegro continued his verbal sparring with the Governor of the Bank of Portugal, suggesting that his predictions of Portugal returning to a deficit are out of step with broader consensus. He characterized Centeno's forecast of a 0.1% deficit as unusual, arguing that it could be resolved quickly without significant financial engineering.

When asked about potential presidential candidates, Montenegro humorously dismissed the mention of the admiral, reiterating that the party would support a candidate who is a member of their ranks, emphasizing the need for a candidate who is knowledgeable about the country and capable of contributing positively to Portugal's political landscape.