Breaking with the tradition of his predecessor, Portugal’s head of State, António José Seguro has not summoned parties ahead of the State Budget (to be voted on in general terms next Wednesday). He has called them, individually, for audiences the day after – and his concern, in the wake of so many recent protests, is social cohesion.
The information has been provided to Lusa state news agency by a source from the President’s office, and in the context that he has already, on a number of occasions, expressed concern about social and territorial cohesion, warning of the socioeconomic inequalities that mark this country.
More specifically on the subject of housing protests and demonstrations, the president has called for a broad agreement between the government and parties of the opposition so that urgent and long-lasting measures can be adopted.
“It is necessary to look at this problem seriously and with everyone’s contribution. That is my appeal”, he declared on Monday.
Seguro’s meetings with the parliamentary parties are scheduled for Thursday, October 29.
Source: LUSA/ Observador
Natasha Donn
Journalist for the Portugal Resident.