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Concerning the Budget
Rita Andrade Soares
Economist
The State Budget for
2019 represents an interesting exercise in reconciling income increases (in the
civil service and with respect to pensioners), as well as an increase in funding
planned for health and other sectors of Portuguese society with the aim of
gradually reducing the budget deficit and, consequently, consolidating Public
Finances.
There is, therefore, merit in the State Budget proposal presented by the government, which undoubtedly reveals some ingenuity and some art.
Moreover, it should be recognised that the opposition would probably not do any better in the present circumstances.
However, it is once again apparent that certain strategic options, which are of crucial importance for our country, continue to be postponed, possibly because the adoption of bold policies in these areas does not bring you votes, in the short and medium term, and such policies are not easily implementable.
Problems such as those related to Social Security reform, to our demography and to the stimulation of properly taking advantage of our continental shelf continue to be postponed.
It would be important to encourage young couples to have children, with the possible use of additional tax incentives, in addition to the creation of new businesses in sectors of economic activity to do with the sea.
But, in these matters, no provisions have been made and nothing, of relevance, has been said.
It is clear that the budget proposal will still be discussed in particular and it falls, of course, to anyone seeking an optimistic outlook for the future to continue to believe in the creative and reforming abilities of the governments and democratic parties represented in the Portuguese Parliament.
That is why I still believe that something positive will be included in the future State Budget.
It is always important to believe in the future, while not forgetting the limitations of the present.
Nothing more, nothing less...
There is, therefore, merit in the State Budget proposal presented by the government, which undoubtedly reveals some ingenuity and some art.
Moreover, it should be recognised that the opposition would probably not do any better in the present circumstances.
However, it is once again apparent that certain strategic options, which are of crucial importance for our country, continue to be postponed, possibly because the adoption of bold policies in these areas does not bring you votes, in the short and medium term, and such policies are not easily implementable.
Problems such as those related to Social Security reform, to our demography and to the stimulation of properly taking advantage of our continental shelf continue to be postponed.
It would be important to encourage young couples to have children, with the possible use of additional tax incentives, in addition to the creation of new businesses in sectors of economic activity to do with the sea.
But, in these matters, no provisions have been made and nothing, of relevance, has been said.
It is clear that the budget proposal will still be discussed in particular and it falls, of course, to anyone seeking an optimistic outlook for the future to continue to believe in the creative and reforming abilities of the governments and democratic parties represented in the Portuguese Parliament.
That is why I still believe that something positive will be included in the future State Budget.
It is always important to believe in the future, while not forgetting the limitations of the present.
Nothing more, nothing less...