SDP warns that impoverishment and political degradation fuel populism

The SDP parliamentary leader said on Tuesday that in Portugal, impoverishment is combined with a “great degradation of political life and the quality of institutions”, leading to an increase in populism “whether from the far right or the far left.”

In a speech by the PSD at the 49th anniversary commemorative meeting of the Assembly of the Republic on April 25, Joaquim Miranda Sarmento stated that “for 25 years there has been no national goal” and pointed out, without further elaboration, the topic of TAR as an example of “discrediting institutions”.

“The decline in the quality of politicians, the discrediting of politics, the loss of authority and prestige of institutions and the state, as well as the phenomena of corruption, nepotism and nepotism undermine the confidence of citizens in democracy,” he believes, adding to these problems “discrediting justice, slowness and impunity in cases of corruption, affecting the powers that be.”

The leader of the PSD parliament hailed the many changes in the country over the past 49 years, but believes that the Portuguese are wondering “what has become of this country”.

“What happened to the country that in 74/75 placed its hopes and ambitions on the creation of a democracy similar to the countries of Western Europe? What happened to the country that, since 1976, placed its hopes and ambitions on joining Europe, then the EEC? “What happened to the country that in the 90s placed its hopes and ambitions on rapprochement with the richest in Europe and on being at the forefront of the single currency?” he asked, concluding that there was no such national goal. .

Miranda Sarmento reminded PSD founder Francisco Sa Carneiro to defend that “these 25 years of impoverishment are not fatal.”

“They are the result of the wrong policies of the Socialist Party, which has ruled 21 of the last 28 years, and where the SDP always rules in a financial crisis,” he pointed out.

For the SDP parliamentary leader, impoverishment, “degradation of public services and institutions” and “lack of direction and purpose for the country” have consequences.

“They lead to the discrediting of the political system and give room and space for the growth of populism and extremism, whether it be on the far right or the far left,” he warned.

Alternatively, Miranda Sarmento defends that “the democratic and moderate forces led by the PSD are on a fundamental mission as 50 years of democratic rule draw near.”

“Firstly, to restore confidence in institutions, to revive the political system (…) And for this, it is also necessary that politics be carried out with truth! Second, make economic and sustainable growth, wealth and capital creation a national goal that allows higher wages and pensions, more resources to improve public services, and create conditions for future generations to have the freedom to determine their future.” – he said.

Luis Montenegro attended the formal meeting for the first time on April 25 as SDP leader, and unlike what happened at the meeting welcoming Brazilian President Lulu da Silva, the SDP leader held a carnation in his hand. , similar to what President of the Republic Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa did this Tuesday (and in other sessions).