Montenegro Requests Military Mobilization to Silence Those Disagreeing with the Government
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Luís Montenegro sat down for lunch with local officials in Pombal, Leiria, and asked for their assistance in securing "stability and governability" for the PSD/CDS-PP coalition (AD) in the upcoming elections.
"If you haven't made up your minds yet, think about which vote will offer you stability and the government you desire. You don't want to wake up on Monday to a government you didn't vote for, just like what happened ten years ago," he remarked, alluding to the 2015 elections where PSD/CDS won, but the PS governed with a left-wing agreement.
He further warned, "The partners are much the same even then."
Montenegro contrasted AD's proposals, which, although not perfect, boasted a clear direction, with those of the PS and Chega, which he accused of flip-flopping their opinions to suit their convenience.
"In the end, we never know what they truly want," he criticized.
During his speech, primarily aimed at local officials, Montenegro assured a "war on bureaucracy" if re-elected as prime minister, stating it often spawns corruption.
He asked local officials for help in continuing to simplify administrative procedures, viewing bureaucracy as a sign of mistrust.
"Bureaucracy is often the root of corruption. The more bureaucracy, the more the need for bypassing rules to speed things up," he opined.
If re-elected, he defended a model of responsibility and trust, accompanied by "monitoring and punishment of offenders."
"I'm here to tell you that in the government, I won't shy away from facing all the voices that typically rise when we wish to simplify things due to fears that we're making it easier for someone," he said, considering that only citizens, businesses, and offenders will reap the benefits of simplified processes.
Montenegro maintained that his government had a true partnership with local authorities, not just those from PSD and CDS-PP.
"We understand that for public resources to be better managed, the greater the responsibility given to local authorities, the more efficient their management," he said.
If he wins the February 18 election, Montenegro promised to continue deepening the decentralization of competencies and "as soon as possible" approve a new local finances law.
Before, the president of the Pombal Chamber of Commerce and Social Democratic Mayors, Pedro Pimpão, praised the government's serious, dialoguing, and stable style, but issued a warning.
"This victory is not guaranteed and won't fall from the sky, it will come from the efforts of each one of us, town by town, street by street," he said, advocating for providing more strength and democratic legitimacy to a PSD/CDS-PP executive.
In Leiria, the AD's head of list is Youth Minister Margarida Balseiro Lopes. In 2024, AD elected five of the ten deputies from this district, followed by the PS with three and Chega with two.
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To offer an overview of Luis Montenegro's pledges related to a "war on bureaucracy" and deepening decentralization in the upcoming Portuguese elections, it's crucial to understand the current political context and how these promises align with broader policy objectives.
Background
Luis Montenegro, the outgoing Prime Minister, heads the Social Democratic Party (PSD), which is currently anticipated to win the general elections on May 18, 2025. This election follows a no-confidence vote that led to the downfall of Montenegro's right-wing minority government, marking Portugal's third general election in just over three years[1][3].
Promises
While specific details on Montenegro's campaign promises for a "war on bureaucracy" and decentralization aren't explicitly presented, these themes are part of broader political narratives in Portugal, often aiming to reduce red tape, enhance efficiency, and devolve power to local authorities.
- War on Bureaucracy: This typically involves simplifying administrative processes, streamlining public services, and potentially reducing regulatory hurdles to encourage economic activity and improve public sector efficiency.
- Deepening Decentralization: This could involve granting more autonomy to regions, enhancing local governance, and ensuring more resources are managed closer to where they are needed.
These promises align with typical center-right policies aimed at reducing the role of central government in certain areas and increasing efficiency in public administration.
Current Context
The key parties involved in the election include the Social Democratic Party (PSD), led by Montenegro, which is currently leading in polls with 34.8% support[4]; the Socialist Party (PS), led by Pedro Nuno Santos, which is in second place[4]; and the Chega party, a far-right force that could play a role in post-election coalitions[3].
Montenegro's promises would likely be part of a broader platform aimed at maintaining or increasing his party's current lead in the polls, appealing to voters seeking changes in governance and administrative policies.
Implications
- Economic Impact: Reducing bureaucracy could help streamline businesses and attract more foreign investment, potentially boosting economic growth.
- Political Impact: Decentralization might increase support among voters in regions seeking more autonomy and could help build coalitions with local authorities.
Without specific details from recent speeches or policy documents by Luis Montenegro, these general themes provide a framework for understanding how such promises might fit into his campaign strategy.
- Montenegro, during his lunch with local officials in Pombal, Leiria, emphasized the need for voters to consider the election choice that ensures "stability and the government they desire," as he called back to the political instability following the 2015 elections.
- As he addressed the bureaucracy issue, Montenegro, the outgoing Prime Minister, asserted that bureaucracy often acts as the root of corruption and expressed his intention to wage a war on it if re-elected as prime minister.
- In a speech primarily aimed at local officials, Montenegro reiterated his commitment to continuing the decentralization of competencies and promised to approve a new local finances law "as soon as possible" if victorious in the upcoming elections.
- Pedro Pimpão, president of the Pombal Chamber of Commerce and a supporter of PSD, acknowledged the potential victory of the PSD/CDS-PP coalition but urged locals to work hard, town by town and street by street, to secure the democratic legitimacy needed to implement these policies effectively.
