The new social democratic leader reiterated, in the first audience with the President of the Republic, that the PSD is “absolutely against a referendum in 2024″ and refuses to say whether his position is for or against regionalization itself. In line with what Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa said in his reaction to the lack of support from the new leader of the PSD for the popular consultation, Montenegro says that it is first necessary to start the decentralization process.
Luís Montenegro told the president that the PSD will not take “any impulse”, especially because “the process of decentralization of powers has lasted 3 years and has not produced effective results.” The opposition leader leaves any discussion on regionalization for the next legislature, since this process must have a well-defined framework of competencies and financing. “We will talk in Portugal one day a regionalization process, if there is the prospect of having a referendum required by the Constitution”, he adds.
Regarding possible disagreements within the party, Montenegro says that “he is not aware of anyone who does not agree with his position on the infeasibility of the referendum.” He admits, however, that there are several divergences later regarding the regionalization itself.
Regarding the new Lisbon airport, Luís Montenegro revealed that there was a “beginning of reflection in the permanent commission on the subject”. The new president of the PSD once again expresses the “availability of the PSD to dialogue with the PS for an investment that is strategic for the country”, but warns that this “does not invalidate the incessant criticism” of the party “of the way in which the Government has complied with this process” and the “incompetence of not having resolved it in the last seven years. Montenegro is not in a hurry to meet with Costa about the new airport yet, saying only: “In due course we will have this meeting to do what needs to be done.”
Regarding the relationship with Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Luís Montenegro guaranteed “absolute institutional respect” to the President of the Republic.
Source: Observadora
