Leitão Amaro supports government's "compassionate approach" and invites Chega to enact "stringent immigration policies"
In the Heart of Portugal's Politics
In a recent talk at Parliament, the Minister of the Presidency didn't pull any punches, firing a salvo at Chega's "aggressive rhetoric" and challenging them to join the Government in revamping immigration regulations. While the left viewed this move as a step back, they alleged the Executive was bowing to the far-right.
Let's dive into the intrigue!
The Government's stance on Chega's immigration policies reveals a calculated response to pressure from the party, known for its hardline stance on immigration. Part of the Government's strategy includes prolonging residency requirements for citizenship, bumping it up from five to ten years for most foreigners, and seven for folks hailing from Portuguese-speaking nations like Brazil.
The Government's approaching reforms also involve stricter criterion for naturalization – expect applicants to flaunt knowledge of Portuguese culture and democratic values, with a firm "no" to those with any existing prison sentences. Chega's calls for stricter immigration policies seem to have found an echo in these Government measures[2][3].
However, family reunification remains on the table, with the Prime Minister stressing the positive economic impacts of well-assimilated immigrant families and student populations. The Government is primarily focusing on tightening rules to curtail illegal immigration and boost enforcement of existing laws[5].
Critics have targeted Chega for previous roadblocks in the streamlining of repatriation procedures and the creation of a foreigners and borders unit in the Public Security Police. The Prime Minister hinted that the Government plans to revise these laws, inviting Chega for a “second chance” to support these structural improvements, striking a balance between collaboration and integration concerns[5].
Regarding Portugal's coveted Golden Visa program, no significant changes have been hinted as of yet, although the overall tightening of immigration policies might leave golden Visa holders basking in relative benefits when it comes to the new citizenship timeline[3].
To wrap it all up, the Minister of the Presidency and the Government are inches away from tighter immigration rules akin to those advocated by Chega, while safeguarding some essentials like family reunification. They're also hoping to team up with Chega to resolve earlier legislative bottlenecks related to immigration enforcement[2][3][5].
- The Government's policy-and-legislation on immigration shows a response aligning with Chega's views, especially in prolonging residency requirements, stricter criteria for naturalization, and boosting enforcement of laws – all part of the strategy to curb illegal immigration.
- Amid the politics of general-news, the Minister and the Government are on the brink of tightening immigration rules like those advocated by Chega, while maintaining family reunification and addressing earlier legislative roadblocks alongside the party.
