Government Allegedly Shows "Cold Indifference" Towards Individuals with Disabilities, Accusation Made by Critic
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Rui Tavares, speaking at the March for Independent Life in Lisbon, blasted the government for its chilly indifference towards citizens with disabilities. Under a pouring rain, thousands of people with disabilities gathered across eight cities in Portugal to demand their basic human rights.
Tavares pointed an accusing finger at the government for failing to allocate sufficient funds for this cause. He argued that a staggering 100 million euros per year should be invested in this area, as he proposed in the State Budget for 2025, but the government only set aside 33 million euros over several years as part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR).
"This isn't our money," he warned, emphasizing that when the PRR expires, there will be no funds left for these citizens.
Tavares championed the hiring of citizens with disabilities in both the public and private sectors, stating that they can make a substantial contribution to society but are often held back by the lack of investment in their development.
"Their dignity, when recognized, can create jobs," Tavares remarked.
To illustrate his point, Tavares mentioned that for these citizens to live independently, they require laws and policies that ensure accessibility, such as wheelchair ramps in workplaces and recreational areas.
"Freedom isn't merely about having less government or paying lower taxes," he emphasized.
Tavare's comments came as right-wing parties shunned the march, with only BE and PCP in attendance. Tavares denounced the absence as "scandalous," highlighting the importance of inclusivity in politics, even for the most vulnerable.
The Organizing Commission of the March for Independent Life gathered 26 organizations and collectives committed to advocating for the rights of citizens with disabilities. The annual march aims to make diversity visible and demand the full implementation of human rights for this often marginalized community.
In addition to their demand for increased funding and accessibility, the marchers called for the hiring of people with disabilities in public and private sectors and the elimination of discrimination.
While Portugal's PRR does include investments in healthcare and social services, it's unclear how these investments will directly support individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, Tavares's specific proposals for the State Budget in 2025 remain undisclosed.
In the meantime, there are support mechanisms in place for students with disabilities in higher education, including attendance grants that cover fees and specific supplements for those with special educational needs. However, these provisions are part of broader educational policies rather than direct actions under the PRR.
For a detailed comparison between Tavares's proposals and the current funding situation under the PRR, further information is needed about his specific recommendations and how they align with or differ from existing support mechanisms in Portugal.
- Tavares's comments at the March for Independent Life in Lisbon criticized the government for their insufficient investment in disability policies, suggesting a need for 100 million euros annually.
- Under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), the government set aside only 33 million euros for disability-related initiatives, in contrast to Tavares's proposed allocation of 100 million euros for 2025.
- Tavares called for the hiring of citizens with disabilities in both the public and private sectors as a means of contributing to society, stating that their dignity could create jobs when recognized.
- The quarterly general news publication is yet to provide details of Tavares's specific proposals for disability policies in the State Budget for 2025.
