Madeira PSD deputy Pedro Coelho criticized the political approach of the PS and Chega parties on Thursday in the Assembly of the Republic, describing it as based on populism and demagoguery. He cited proposed fiscal measures such as zero VAT on food baskets and reduced VAT on fuel as examples.
Coelho emphasized that "governing is not entering an auction" and argued that the current government is implementing policies to combat the rising cost of living. He mentioned the reduction in fuel excise duty, offering a 25-cent-per-liter discount, and the fifth income tax (IRS) reduction benefiting over 2.9 million households.
The deputy warned that the PS and Chega proposals would cost approximately 2 billion euros annually, questioning the funding sources and guarantees of price reductions. He also recalled the PS's past fiscal irresponsibility in 2011, which led Portugal to seek international financial assistance.
