The leader of Portugal’s Socialist Party (PS), José Luís Carneiro, has accused the government of showing a “lack of democratic humility” in its handling of proposed labour legislation, warning that the impasse is “becoming costly for the country.”
Speaking in Évora on Monday evening, Carneiro said the government, led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro, was struggling to work with partners essential to meaningful reform, including employers and trade unions.
“I thought the government only struggled with the Socialists, which is why it ignored our proposals,” Carneiro said. “But in fact, it also fails to get along with other partners crucial for the dignity of working life and the competitiveness of our economy.”
His remarks followed a tripartite meeting between the government, employers and trade unions, which ended without agreement. A government source told Lusa news agency that the UGT union confederation had been “intransigent”, a claim Carneiro declined to comment on. “Only the UGT can respond to that statement,” he said. “I was not involved in the negotiations, but I do know the government’s lack of democratic humility is proving costly for the country.”
Carneiro expressed surprise at the widespread expectation that an agreement would be reached, questioning the timing of Monday’s meeting. “It seemed an inappropriate day, coinciding with the inauguration of the country’s president, to hold a technical tripartite meeting,” he said. “Timing matters when dialogue is meant to build consensus.”
The PS leader also highlighted concerns over the substance of the proposed reforms. He warned that the legislation would have negative consequences for young people, women, and the most vulnerable workers. “The law prolongs precarious employment for young people, makes it harder for working women to reconcile professional and family life, and is harmful to the most fragile workers,” he said.
Carneiro said the proposals on the table from the government did not address the needs of ordinary people, echoing criticisms reportedly made by the UGT union. “I have read the UGT’s statements and I understand why they rejected these proposals,” he said.
The PS leader urged the government to return to the negotiating table on terms acceptable to all parties. “I hope that the government will now create conditions to resume dialogue in a way that partners are willing to accept,” he said, stressing that cooperation was essential for both social fairness and economic competitiveness.
On the wider economic situation, Carneiro drew attention to rising fuel and living costs exacerbated by the conflict in the Middle East. He said the PS had previously warned the government to prepare for the impact on households, citing fuel, food, and mortgage costs as particularly pressing concerns for younger people. “I am convinced the government will soon need to follow the path the PS proposed in parliament to protect families and the economy,” he added.
Carneiro’s comments were made as he presented his re-candidacy for the PS leadership during a session with party activists and supporters in Évora. The intervention underscores the PS’s readiness to position itself as a critical voice on both labour reform and broader social protections.
