Figueiredo alleges lack of readiness by Pedro Nuno and Montenegro
During a meeting at the Mosteiro de São Bento da Vitória in Porto, João Cotrim Figueiredo, IL's candidate for the upcoming legislative elections, declared that the existing social contract between the Portuguese state and its citizenry is being shattered. He described every man and woman as a "contractor" who willingly relinquished portions of their rights and freedoms in exchange for the state ensuring essential functions like preserving life, safeguarding property, and providing top-notch public services.
Cotrim Figueiredo also brought up the intergenerational contract, a concept developed in the last century, which aims to ensure that current generations leave the next ones with a livable planet, sound public finances, and a reliable social security system. He scathingly claimed that both contracts are being violated by the state, citing the climbing tax burden, decreasing quality of public services, and the unsustainable state of social security.
Later, Cotrim Figueiredo criticized a televised debate between Luís Montenegro and Pedro Nuno Santos, branding it uninspiring. He expressed doubt that these gentlemen could tackle the severe challenges Portugal faces, particularly in upholding the social contract and intergenerational contract. According to him, neither of these leaders possesses the necessary preparation to navigate Portugal's future.
Cotrim Figueiredo went on to assert that one of these leaders, an apparent reference to Luís Montenegro, necessitates IL for Portugal to secure a future and the required economic growth. He emphasized that by voting for IL, citizens were fulfilling their part of the social contract, demanding the state delivers commensurate returns for the funds, resources, and rights they've forfeited.
Economist Óscar Afonso, who was present at this IL gathering, commented on Portugal's underwhelming economic growth. He highlighted the need for greater reforms, especially in the area of state reform, and criticized the fragmentation of parishes. Afonso also advocated for less tax burden and suggested reducing the corporate income tax rate drastically, after having recently published an article advocating a post-electoral alliance between AD and IL. [News updated at 8:12 PM]
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João Cotrim Figueiredo, the IL candidate, criticized the state for violating both the social contract and the intergenerational contract during his meeting at the Mosteiro de São Bento da Vitória. He presented the current leaders, such as Luís Montenegro, as lacking necessary preparation to address Portugal's challenges, particularly in upholding these contracts. Economist Óscar Afonso, present at the IL gathering, emphasized the need for reforms, particularly in state reform, and advocated for reducing the corporate income tax rate drastically. Cotrim Figueiredo also stated that one of the leaders, possibly Luís Montenegro, requires the support of IL for Portugal to achieve economic growth and fulfill the expectations set by the citizens, who have relinquished portions of their rights and freedoms according to the social contract.
