Stories from Lisbon · Portugal

May Day marches were held worldwide, with participants expressing their objectives and engaging in discussions. In Portugal, the UGT stated that a general strike is a possibility but not yet a certainty, with a further social concertation meeting scheduled for May 7.

The football match between Benfica and Fama-Licão is scheduled for today at 8:30 PM. FC Porto's match, which could decide the title, also starts today. José Mourinho commented on the situation in the activation conference.

The leader of the UGT responded to a message from the President of the Republic by appealing for dialogue and adherence to the Constitution. The leader urged social partners and the government to find common ground to reach a potential agreement.

Prime Minister Luis Montenegro accused the Central Confederation of being the least cooperative social partner regarding labor reform. The comments were made on May 1 during discussions involving the GTS.

André Ventura, leader of the CHEGA party, criticized the CGTP's announcement of a general strike scheduled for June 3. The CGTP/UGT labor movement is discussing sensitive document points including fixed-term contracts, reintegration regimes in case of dismissal, hourly bank agreements, and outsourcing. The government has already taken positions on these matters, according to the source. UGT leader Mário Morão stated the union is ready to respond to the President of the Republic's message. Morão characterized the President's message as an appeal for dialogue. He said that defending the Constitution requires addressing job precariousness and worker valuation. The UGT leader stated the government is responsible for presenting a project that Portuguese workers did not request and do not need.

The Portuguese executive wants all contracts involving European funds to bypass prior oversight by the Court of Auditors. This proposal is being submitted as a bill with a special request for urgency.

The Socialist Party (PS) stated it will take all necessary actions to prevent the government from altering the labor code. Andreaventura claimed the proposed labor package is offensive to young people, female workers, vulnerable groups, and Portuguese families. José Luís Carneiro argued the government should abandon the package as it violates human dignity values. The party's stance follows discussions regarding potential government coalitions with the Chega party. The proposal is expected to move to the Assembly of the Republic for further deliberation. CHEGA is also seeking an inquiry into the 'Influencer' process following recent wiretap disclosures by TVI involving António Costa and Diogo Glacier da Machado. The party described the government's negotiation process as intransigent and indifferent.

The Chega party announced plans to propose a parliamentary inquiry commission regarding Operation Influencer. The request was reported by TSF Notícias. Recent developments suggest former Prime Minister António Costa spoke with Diogo Lacer da Machado regarding the process. Party leader Luiz Montenegro stated that the executive has conceded on several sensitive points, while the current Prime Minister rejected government terms and accused the GT of being the social partner that has conceded the least. The party leader compared the case involving former Prime Minister António Costa to the Spinum Viva case in Montenegro. The probe follows the fall of the Socialist Party government. CNN reports having access to processes and wiretaps suggesting António Costa did not tell the whole truth regarding the case.

The Public Ministry has sent suspicions of billing irregularities to the Tax Authority regarding CEPI NUM VIVA. The Public Prosecutor's Office reportedly sent suspicions regarding billing irregularities at CEPIN1 Viva to tax authorities. The allegations suggest services were billed through CEPIN1 Viva to reduce tax payments for a law firm associated with Luiz Montenegro. However, the Correio da Manhã newspaper report regarding these suspicions was denied during the afternoon. The prosecutor's office noted that the matter may not constitute a tax crime. Allegations published by Correio da Manhã regarding tax irregularities involving Luiz Montenegro's law firm have been denied. The Public Prosecutor's Office issued a note clarifying that the Prime Minister is not a subject of the preventive investigation.

UGT leader Mário Murão stated he will wait for next week's meeting regarding Social Security. Negotiations are expected to proceed to a new round next week. On May 1, political parties including the PS have also commented on the reform, with the PS urging the Prime Minister to drop the proposal. Hundreds of people gathered at Jamor to protest the proposed reforms. CGT leader Sophie Binez criticized the government's focus, stating the current approach lacks sense during the ongoing energy crisis. Binez called for new legislation regarding wages, bonuses, and job protection instead. The Secretary-General claimed the negotiation table was biased toward employers and accused parties of attempting to pressure and divide the central union. He issued a guarantee that the Central Sindical cannot be divided.