Left Bloc MEP Marisa Matias said this Monday that António Costa’s Christmas message was characterized by the absence of any mention of the problems people face, especially in the areas of housing and health.
“In this last Christmas message, the Prime Minister did not mention the problems faced by people in Portugal, problems that have become worse for the vast majority, despite the fact that they had all the political conditions and emergency resources,” said Marisa Matias in answer. at the Bloc de Esquerda headquarters in Coimbra for António Costa’s last Christmas message as Prime Minister.
For the bloc member of the European Parliament, the absolute majority “has been a difficult time”, marked not only by “rotation of ministers”, but also by “constant upheaval” in people’s lives, the housing crisis and problems felt in the National Service. health.
Regarding these two topics, Maria Matias said that Antonio Costa did not mention anything.
“Housing is the central issue at the moment in Portugal, the National Health Service needs to be preserved and concrete investments are needed so that what is one of the main achievements of democracy in Portugal does not collapse, and for all this it is necessary to see that concrete solutions are presented these problems, and not run away from them, ignore them, ignore them,” he emphasized.
For Marisa Mathias, it was a moment when the prime minister had to “get closer to the reality that people face in Portugal”, given that continuing to “pretend these problems don’t exist” will not contribute to solving them.
According to the MEP, it is important that António Costa provides “a view of the future and recognizes that there are very specific problems in people’s lives and for which solutions must be found.”
Marisa Mathias also expressed regret that the Portuguese Prime Minister did not mention “the genocide taking place in the Gaza Strip.”
“This is not just Christmas. Just like what we tragically saw in Ukraine and was worth mentioning last year, I believe that we cannot forget what is happening in Gaza this year,” he stressed.
Prime Minister Antonio Costa said today he was leaving a better country after eight years at the helm of socialist governments and believed Portugal was ready to tackle the challenges with a more skilled population and less debt.
“During these eight years, during which I had the opportunity to get to know the Portuguese and Portugal even better, I only strengthened my confidence in our homeland. It is with this increased confidence in each of you, in our collective potential, in Portugal, that I say goodbye to wishes for a Merry Christmas, a great 2024 and confidence that the Portuguese people will continue to make each new year even better,” said the leader of the executive authorities when early legislative elections are scheduled for March 10. .
Antonio Costa resigned as head of government about a month and a half ago due to a judicial investigation.
JGA (PMF) // PC
Lusa/The End
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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