The former Minister of Labor, Solidarity and Social Security, António Vieira da Silva, considers that “it is more sensible” in times of crisis and specific circumstances to suspend the pension updating law than to change it.
“I think it is more sensible, it is just my opinion, in specific moments of crisis, in particular circumstances, to suspend [a lei da atualização das pensões] and take the appropriate measures”, said Vieira da Silva, in an interview with Antena1 and Jornal de Negócios.
Suspending the law does not mean freezing pension increases, but not applying certain factors provided for in the calculation formula, such as inflation and economic growth, explained the former socialist president.
Vieira da Silva also argued that the unpredictability of the current situation does not allow the government to anticipate from now on what will happen in a year.
Regarding the income and competitiveness agreement that is being discussed with the social partners, the former minister defended that “it would be extremely positive” for the country to have a consensus, but acknowledged that reaching an understanding in relation to values ”is difficult.”
The former minister continues to reject a general reduction of the IRC and defends that it only be given to companies with significant investments.
“The best examples we had of using the fiscal dimension to boost the Portuguese economy were not across-the-board falls, but investment-oriented exemptions or reductions,” Vieira da Silva said.
“Does big retail need a drop in IRC? Are you in a situation where this counts towards your productivity? I have doubts,” said the former governor.
Source: Observadora
