Lisbon, Aug. 27, 2026 (Lusa) - Prime Minister Luís Montenegro confirmed on Thursday that the social security system wouldn't be changed during the current parliamentary term and appealed to the opposition's sense of responsibility, criticising the «falsehoods and demagoguery» surrounding this issue, which he deemed to be closed.
«The matter is settled; this issue is closed for this parliamentary term,» said Luís Montenegro, speaking to Lusa on the sidelines of a visit to Lisbon airport.
The prime minister acknowledged that he would only be willing to discuss the matter in the future, during subsequent parliamentary terms, and that «everyone should strive to maintain a constructive, long-term perspective on an issue that will affect us for decades».
«Therefore, the demagoguery, misinformation and falsehoods with which this is discussed are deplorable from a democratic point of view,» he said.
Montenegro encouraged constructive engagement, stating that «those who engage with the Government in a constructive manner contribute positively to the political process».
«This needs to be discussed calmly and seriously, especially as we know that it is not within the remit of this parliamentary term to do anything that appears to concern some political actors,» he said.
Regarding the report «Reforming Pensions in Portugal – Towards a Sustainable, Adequate and Fair System – A Contract between Generations», which the Government commissioned and presented in the middle of the month, Montenegro considered that «the aim is to obtain information and to treat that information seriously».
«But, mind you, it is worth noting that this report provides a complementary perspective to a green paper commissioned by the previous government,» led by the PS, he pointed out.
«For future parliamentary terms, we will tell the Portuguese people what we believe needs to be done. It may mean doing nothing, it may mean putting forward a specific proposal, or it may mean reconciling proposals with other parties,» he said.
He maintained that «everyone should keep the door open to the future in this case», stressing that there will be «a few years» to «delve deeper» into the discussions on the subject of social security and the government's perspective.
Montenegro reiterated that «the Portuguese people's pensions are sacrosanct»: «I have said it before, and I'll say it again: on the day I have to cut a single cent from a pension, I will resign. But I didn't say this after becoming prime minister; I said this when I was leader of the opposition,» he declared.
«I do not know why they want to accuse the government of things it does not do. Therefore, from this point onwards, let us show seriousness, composure and a sense of responsibility towards those who will be here after us,» he urged.
SF/ADB // ADB.
Lusa
