PS Questions Budget Conditions, Chega Rejects Support Role

The Socialist Party (PS) expressed doubts on Thursday whether the government fulfilled two key conditions for backing the 2027 State Budget: continuing all Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) projects and budgeting for early-year storm damages. PS parliamentary vice-president António Mendonça Mendes said a preliminary analysis could not confirm compliance, demanding the government prove it "line by line, project by project" during the speciality phase. Despite the warnings, Mendes reiterated the PS will abstain in the general vote, ensuring the budget passes, because the party "does not want to add a political crisis to the crises."

Chega leader André Ventura labelled the proposal a "bad budget" that fails to address needs, insisting his party "is not a crutch" for the executive led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro. However, Ventura stopped short of committing to a vote against the bill, stating the party had not yet decided its final voting intention. Chega plans to submit numerous amendments during the speciality debate.

“We do not want to add a political crisis to the crises.”

Speaking at the Chega National Council on Saturday, Ventura announced his candidacy for re-election as party president, framing the leadership contest as part of a long-term project. He rejected accusations that Chega is merely obstructing the budget process, arguing the party confronts the government on living costs and state spending. The party confirmed direct leadership elections for October 31 and a national convention for November 20-22.