PSD, PCP, PAN, BE and Livre advocate for increased risk pay for police officers

PSD, PCP, PAN, BE and Livre on Tuesday defended increasing the risk premium for PSP and GNR members, while the Liberal Initiative classified the debate in parliament as “the logic of an auction of who gives more.”

In a debate on increasing risk subsidies and enhancing the careers of security forces, the Assembly of the Republic discussed a bill proposed by the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores, as well as bills from the Portuguese Communist Party and the PAN.

A discussion of the Chegi bill was also planned, but it was not discussed due to the absence of deputies of the parliamentary group, who left the plenary session of the Assembly of the Republic hours earlier in protest against the statements of the chairman of parliament.

PCP MP Alma Rivera said the fixed component of the service and risk allowance in the security forces should be increased to 420 euros from January 1 next year, with the amount expected to increase to 450 euros in 2024.

Alma Rivera felt it necessary to update the risk premium for PSP and GNR members, emphasizing that it should be modified and set at a “truly fair amount” commensurate with the mission and burden of responsibilities.

The PCP MP recalled that this increase is one of the main demands of the PSP trade unions and GNR associations, and stressed that there is a “great injustice” towards other services and security forces, namely the PJ and SEF inspectors, who receive an amount of more than 400 Euro.

The PAN deputy also proposes to increase the fixed part of the service and risk surcharge in PSP and GNR to 443 euros and guarantee its annual renewal in accordance with the social support index, as well as increase the surcharges by 20%. on patrol or on patrol.

Ines Souza Real reported that 1,014 members of the security forces and services were injured in the line of duty last year, demonstrating “the danger and risk associated with the activities of these professionals,” justifying “gratitude and recognition.”

PSD MP Sara Madruga da Costa believes that the 100 euros currently paid to members of the Public Security Police and the Republican National Guard is “significantly below the desired amount.”

Sara Madruga da Costa believed that “there is an urgent need to move to a review” of all the components attributed to GNR military personnel and PSP agents, namely risk allowances and remuneration allowances.

“All these components must be urgently reviewed to rejuvenate and attract new elements to this force. Unfortunately, the government is slow to respond,” he said.

Livre MP Rui Tavares said he was following all the projects discussed on Tuesday and “will not make any of the proposals unfeasible.”

Liberal Initiative MP Patricia Gil Vaz said the replenishment of the security forces is being discussed in parliament “according to the logic of an auction to see who will give the most.”

Stressing that “everyone recognizes the role of security forces and services,” the deputy said that the debate must be “serious and properly justified.”

BE MP Pedro Filipe Soares highlighted the “enormous pressure” that police officers experience from the very beginning of their work, such as salaries and living conditions, pressure that does not change throughout their lives, since they have to work in shifts and on weekends, which often makes it difficult balance between family and professional activities.

Pedro Filipe Soares believes the debate should also include other issues, “because it starts with working conditions and ends with mental health.”

Socialist MP Susana Amador (PS) chose to highlight government measures in the field of internal management, such as improving working conditions, retraining premises, increasing wages and public policy decisions regarding housing.