Public petition proposes replacing "Creche Feliz" in Portugal

The aim of this initiative is to replace the current “Happy Daycare” (Creche Feliz) model, which was put into effect in 2021.

The proposal calls for the change in the way the state's financial subsidy—at present limited to 551.50 euros per child—to move from being paid directly to institutions and instead to be given directly to families in the case of children aged four years or below.

Daycare places

The person in charge of this non-partisan movement points out the flaws in the way the current programme is being implemented, citing the widespread lack of daycare places in the major urban areas, the inflexible schedules, and the rise in the number of children per square metre in classrooms.

She also points out the fact that individual childminders have been left out and the fact that many private day care centres have refused to take part, mentioning the state's delays in making payments.

The petitioner says that direct support would increase families' options so that they could pay for day care centres which do not take part, employ separate childminders, or adopt other kinds of family support arrangements.

The organisers intend to collect 20,000 signatures in order that Parliament may treat the initiative as a legislative proposal.