OE2024 with answer for users without a family doctor

In 2024, the Alentejo Central Hospital (Évora) and the Proximidade de Sintra Hospital will come into operation. The construction of the new Women and Children’s Unit in Guarda, the new building of the Hospital of San Bernardo (Setúbal) and the emergency service of the Hospitals of the University of Coimbra will also be completed.

In Lisbon, work begins on the Lisbon East Hospital and tenders will be issued for the construction of the Algarve Central Hospital, the Algarve Regional Cancer Centre, the Proximidade do Seixal Hospital and the new Do Oeste Hospital.

In the fight between the Ministry of Health and doctors to update the tariff schedule, which has already led to more than two thousand doctors refusing to work more than 150 overtime hours, the budget proposal does not indicate a way out. It is noted that SNS personnel costs next year will increase by approximately 377 million euros, amounting to 6377.9 million euros (+6.3%).

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Car massacre

The government will create an incentive to scrap end-of-life vehicles registered before 2007. The IUC will be increased for vehicles older than this date.

PLASTIC BAGS NEW TARIFF

A new 4-cent tax will be imposed on lightweight and very lightweight plastic bags commonly used to sell baked goods and fresh fruits and vegetables. Bags used for social or humanitarian purposes, such as social food distribution or fighting food waste, are exempt.

TV fee 2.85 euros.

The television fee remains unchanged at 2.85 euros plus 6% VAT. This is the seventh year in a row that this fee levied on energy bills has remained unchanged.

Displaced teachers will receive subsidies
Teachers who teach more than 70 kilometers from their place of residence and spend more than 35% of their income on living expenses will receive a subsidy to pay rent in accordance with the State Budget proposal for 2024. The document also refers to the replenishment of school staff vacancies and paid internships (€802 gross for 12 teaching hours per week).

In 2024, consolidated spending on education will amount to 7320.6 million euros. The total increase will be 394 million euros. Three out of every four euros are spent on staff (75.5%). To cover these costs, the amount will be increased by 185.5 million euros.

In terms of higher education, students dismissed due to a scholarship will be able to receive up to €120 more than they already receive per month as a living allowance.

Fees and fines send 900 million to court
Next year, the state expects to receive about 900 million euros from the courts in the form of fees, fines and other sanctions. The budget proposal of the Ministry of Justice indicates an increase of 16.8%, with the total amount allocated to personnel costs amounting to €1,223.6 million, accounting for the largest share (62.4%). Justice reports forecast a cost of €550.7 million for the acquisition of goods and services. Investment costs amount to 114.6 million euros, of which 41.7 million relate to the Institute of Financial Management and Equipment of Justice. The money was intended mainly for work in courts, prisons or judicial police institutions. The government remains committed to “taking measures that will decisively combat corruption.” A new citizen card is in development.

Defense with increased funding for aircraft and ships
The defense budget will increase by 13.7% in 2024, but the state budget proposal shows $78.2 million less will be spent this year than originally planned. The following year, Minister Helena Carreiras announced an increase in the martial law allowance by 70 euros per month, which for those earning 800 euros per month amounts to one more salary per year. Among the planned investments are the acquisition of KC-390 military strategic transport aircraft and the construction of two ocean-going patrol ships – a program that is ten years behind schedule. With PRR funding, 68 million will be invested in the Naval Platform and 40.9 million will be invested in the government’s acquisition of air resources to combat fires.