The Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, considered this Saturday that time has proved him right regarding the “no is no” to an agreement with Chega and reaffirmed this commitment in relation to a party with “radicalism and immaturity”.
In a written interview given to Folha de S. Paulo on the eve of traveling to Brazil to participate in the G20 meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Luís Montenegro was asked whether he kept his promise not to take Chega into the Government.
“When I said ‘no, no’ to making an agreement, I was very clear about considering that there were ideas and positions, radicalism and immaturity in that party that did not open up that possibility”, he said.
The Prime Minister considered that time has “proven him right” and assured that he will fulfill his commitment.
Regarding immigration policy, Luís Montenegro pointed out that it “reflects the Government’s commitment to inclusion and integration” in a “multicultural country” that is proud of this.
“I also want to reiterate the government’s commitment to the CPLP Mobility Agreement, giving it, in fact, a reinforced centrality as a priority channel for immigration that Portugal needs”, he added.
Regarding the privatization of TAP and the possible risks of reducing direct flights to Portugal, the Prime Minister began by mentioning that the airline is a “very attractive asset” and that is why “many operators are interested in this privatization process” .
“Any of the interested parties recognize that the interest in privatizing TAP arises precisely from the recognition that the company has acquired on the routes where it operates. Therefore, I do not see economic rationality in reducing the value of this strategic asset and consequently in reducing routes”, he said .
Montenegro took the opportunity to highlight that the criteria that the Government will guarantee in privatization will be precisely the maintenance of national air connections to regions with which Portugal has “strong historical ties” and where there is “a strong presence of the Portuguese diaspora”, as is the case from Brazil.
“Thus, strategic routes for TAP and Portugal will not be reduced or harmed. Lisbon will continue as the air carrier’s operational center and the company’s headquarters”, he assured.
When asked about racism, Montenegro emphasized that “Portugal is one of the safest and most peaceful countries in the world” and that foreigners “are, as a rule, well received in Portugal and are well integrated into Portuguese society”, regretting that there are cases of racism.
“To prevent and punish them, we have numerous legal instruments that derive directly from our Constitution, which guarantees that “all citizens have the same social dignity and are equal before the law”, he highlighted.
Source: rr.sapo.pt
