Raimundo voices disapproval towards the "gallhardette swaps" that are steering attention away from crucial issues.
Spicing Up the Game: CDU's Agenda for Improving Lives
Paulo Raimundo, the CDU (PCP and Ecologist Party "The Greens" - PEV) leader, ain't here for flag exchanges, mate. He's all about improving people's lives, from fair wages to combating precarious work, and standing up for rights. That's what he told reporters after a rally at the Mixed Firefighters of Seixal dedicated to work.
When asked about Pedro Nuno Santos' government critique, Raimundo wasn't having it. He was surprised by the PS leader's comparison, given that the PS approved the state budget of the Luís Montenegro government last year. While he wouldn't get into the nitty-gritty of comments, he called them "flags, soundbites, and clichés." Instead, he's focusing on the proposals the coalition presents for the legislative elections on May 18.
Top of the list is improving working conditions, a topic screamed loud and clear at the Seixal rally, where hundreds of CDU members and supporters gathered. "If the strength of labor prevails, the country moves forward, the life of the majority moves forward," he shouted to the crowd.
In the last elections, the CDU elected Paula Santos, parliamentary leader of the PCP, as a deputy for the Setúbal district. But when asked about initiatives scheduled for the district during the campaign, Raimundo laughed, saying they're committed to strengthening their presence in parliament and having Paula, Bruno, and Helóisa (PEV candidate) back in the Assembly.
As to possible election scenarios, Raimundo wouldn't play the arithmetic game, insisting that the only way to strengthen the left in parliament and enforce leftist paths is by giving strength to the CDU. He didn't say if the party is open to a "Geringonça" reunion, though.
When it comes to their manifesto, the CDU is big on rights, equality, and workers. They advocate for strengthening social and labor rights, including protections for foreign workers and children, ensuring equal opportunities in education, culture, and sports. They're likely to push for measures against precarious employment and for fair wages. The coalition typically supports enhanced public services, with a focus on healthcare access and housing policies. Their eco-social policies, thanks to PEV, link environmental sustainability with social equity. They also stress language learning and cultural access as part of integration measures, aiming to streamline residency processes.
While specific new economic measures aren't detailed, the CDU's 2025 campaign seems to continue its traditional emphasis on social equality, worker protections, and migrant rights, along with PEV's environmental justice priorities. Their proposal for temporary teams to address immigration bureaucracy directly tackles current administrative shortcomings in Portugal's migration system. So, don't expect Raimundo to get caught up in political fanfare; he's all about the propositions that matter.
- The CDU, led by Paulo Raimundo, is prioritizing policies that focus on improving working conditions, a key part of their legislative agenda.
- Raimundo emphasized that the focus should be on the proposals presented by the coalition for the legislative elections, rather than engaging in critical discussions about the current government.
- In the last elections, the CDU elected Paula Santos as a deputy for the Setúbal district, and they aim to strengthen their presence in parliament with Santos, along with Bruno and Helóisa (PEV candidate), in the Assembly.
- The CDU's 2025 campaign continues to place emphasis on social equality, worker protections, migrant rights, and environmental justice priorities, including initiatives to address immigration bureaucracy and streamline residency processes.
