“It’s very ineffective”: Marcelo comments on the paint attack on Medina

The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, considers the attacks of climate activists, who hit Finance Minister Fernando Medina with green paint this Friday, “very ineffective.”

“If the goal is to attack Portugal’s environmental policy, it is very ineffective,” Marcelo said in a statement to reporters on the sidelines of the 25th anniversary congress of family businesses, which took place this Friday in Lisbon.

The head of state emphasized that “there are other ways of struggle, proposals and criticism,” even noting that Portugal is an example in this topic.

“I hope that most countries in the world are as concerned as the Portuguese are about ending their dependence on past energy sources,” he said, recalling that Portugal is a country that “does not have nuclear power plants and where gas is seen as a transition solution.” .

“This criticism is really ineffective in the case of Portugal,” he stressed.

In addition to the gesture itself, Marcelo also criticized the “repetition” of the action by the activist group. Let us recall that during the event held at the end of September, Environment Minister Duarte Cordeiro was also hit with a paintball. For the president of the republic, such actions “are symbolic.” “In Portugal, it is necessary for the majority of Portuguese to agree to changes in the energy sector. This means that they can be conquered, even if it costs more. It’s very good when we have 100% of our electricity produced here and from clean sources, even if it will be more expensive at the beginning,” he clarified.

Marcelo reacted shortly after the attack on Fernando Medina this afternoon by holding a public lesson. presentation of the State Budget 2024 (OE 2024) at the Faculty of Law of the University of Lisbon.

The protest action was quickly suppressed by the security forces present, who took the girl out of the premises. After the blow, Medina responded wryly: “At least I know I have someone on my side for the IUC increase.”

“It takes thought,” says Marcelo
Answering a question from journalists about whether the decision to increase the IUC for vehicles up to 2007, provided for in OE 2024, makes sense, the President of the Republic believes that “This is a question we need to calmly think about.”

“When you want to take steps towards an energy transition, which means changing habits, there are always costs. The introduction of renewable energy also comes at a cost to the country and to the Portuguese, and today it is clear that it has been good for the country,” he said.

The IUC increase, known as “automotive compaction,” was one of the most controversial OE measures for the following year. Sales of passenger cars are expected to increase until 2007, as well as motorcycles.

Modeling carried out by PwC shows that the IUC increase on a petrol Ford Focus registered since 2001, for example, is the maximum amount – €25 – representing a 16% increase, from €153.85 to €178.85. .