Portugal
is facing a period of some optimism and tranquility and the current socialist
government, supported by the traditional and modern left, claim several
successes, see the latest economic and social statistics. The economic
recovery, the fall in unemployment ratings or the slightly more optimistic
rating agencies "statements", culminating in the news of a 2% deficit
for Portugal, are supporting this apparent tranquility.
The
forthcoming stability program promises Portugal to take on its financial
commitments as well as a reduction in the size of the state. Some heralds of
the Socratic rave are back, constantly criticizing the previous right wing
government led by Passos Coelho and defending again “Babylonian” constructions
- ex: the TGV or the construction of a new airport.
The
Prime Minister António Costa is fueling this optimistic propaganda that
everything is going well, fostered by a fantastic marketing network that the Socialist
Party has always owned.
Despite
all this "good vibe", the policy of austerity remains, although it is
relatively masked, and is administered in lighter doses. Tourism, the most
powerful activity in Portugal, has helped the economic recovery, but effectively
this austerity is no longer so disguised, it is materialized either by
increasing indirect taxes or by reducing investment.
Portugal
needs to stop pretending there is no austerity and the whole matter passes off
splendidly. Increasing productivity and competitiveness should be the top
priorities. The State is suffocating the portuguese with miserable wages and
taxes. Unfortunately,there is still the illusion the State is serving us in
order to improve our well-being. In reality, Portugal has a State increasingly
pushing the middle class citizens on the road to serfdom.
Miguel Verde - Senior
Consultant, Professor of International Relations
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