Raimundo criticizes the discussion of "gallhardettes" as it detracts from crucial matters at hand.
Rewritten Article:
In a lively quasi-confrontation with journalists, Paulo Raimundo, head of the CDU (PCP and Ecologist Party "The Greens" - PEV), passionately voiced his stance on job improvement and worker rights. Instead of waving flags, he argued it's time for concrete solutions.
During a firefighters' rally in Seixal, Raimundo slammed the spectacle of political flags and dull rhetoric, preferring to discuss the CDU's proposed strategies for the legislative elections on May 18. Central to these proposals is the betterment of employment and labor conditions – a topic that ignited the rally's fervor.
"Strength in labor means progress for the nation, and an enhanced life for the majority," he declared, captivating the audience.
When quizzed about remarks from Pedro Nuno Santos, who criticized the current government for similarities to the Passos Coelho administration, Raimundo seemed perplexed, as the Socialist Party (PS) had recently rubber-stamped the previous government's budget.
Skip the political jabs, Raimundo maintained, and focus on the CDU's people-centric proposals.
One crucial initiative involves a 15% wage hike for all employees in both public and private sectors, translating to at least a €150 monthly increase for workers. Next up is advocating for a standard 35-hour workweek across all sectors, to ease the load on workers and promote a better work-life balance.
Another essential proposal is raising the minimum wage to €1,000, aiming to elevate the lowest incomes closer to a living wage. The CDU is also against privatization and public-private partnerships (PPPs) in vital sectors like transportation, energy, and banking to save jobs and protect services for workers.
Other plans include capping prices on essential goods such as fuel, electricity, and public transport passes to lessen the strain on working families' income. In healthcare, the CDU demands an increase in staff numbers, better pay, maintenance of public health services, and equal access to a family doctor for everyone. Regarding education, they intend to employ more teachers, create 100,000 new public daycare spots by 2028, to assist families and working parents.
Despite questions about potential election scenarios, Raimundo refused to discuss the specifics of party negotiations, insisting that pulling together the CDU – containing Paula Santos (a Setúbal district representative), Bruno Dias, and Helóisa Apolónia (PEV candidate) – is essential for a stronger and more progressive left in parliament. When asked if the party is open to reviving the "Geringonça" alliance, he remained tight-lipped.
Government policies and legislations are at the forefront of Paulo Raimundo's political agenda, as he emphasizes the need for concrete solutions to improve employment and worker rights. The CDU's proposals, focused on wage increases, standard work hours, minimum wage hikes, and public service protection, are central to their campaign for the legislative elections on May 18.
