Portugal's newly appointed government under Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has stirred controversy with its ministerial choices and the creation of a Ministry for State Reform. Critics, including the PCP's secretary-general Paulo Raimundo, argue this move signals impending cuts to public services, dubbing it a 'blow to public services.'
The government's structure sees a reduction from 17 to 16 ministries, with a noticeable decrease in female representation. The continuity of Ana Paula Martins as Health Minister has drawn sharp criticism from the Bloco de Esquerda, accusing her of incompetence and a plan to dismantle the National Health Service (SNS).
Mariana Mortágua of Bloco de Esquerda lambasted the decision, stating it sends a clear message of intent to continue privatizing health services. Meanwhile, the PCP's Paula Santos sees the new government as a continuation of right-wing policies aimed at favoring capital over citizens' needs.
On the defense, PSD's Hugo Soares praised the government's 'reformist impulse' and economic growth focus, defending Ana Paula Martins' tenure by highlighting reduced waiting times in the SNS. However, the PS's João Torres criticized the lack of novelty and the potential undermining of the Ombudsman's office with Maria Lúcia Amaral's transition to Interior Minister.
The PAN party also voiced concerns over the Agriculture Ministry's direction and the merging of Culture with Youth and Sports, though it commended the choice for Interior Minister.
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