The president of the Liberal Initiative (IL), Mariana Leitão, criticized the statements of a minister who indicated that he would provide clarifications only when he deemed it appropriate or 'at his own time'. For the party leader, this stance reinforces the urgent need for Luís Neves' presence in Parliament.
Government Oversight
Mariana Leitão argued that the Assembly of the Republic is the appropriate venue to oversee and examine the Government, emphasizing that political parties have a duty to request answers on behalf of Portuguese citizens. The leader added that the minister has had multiple opportunities to clarify the situation, and postponing these explanations is considered 'unacceptable' because it compromises confidence in the institutions, the Ministry of Internal Administration, the Government, and the Judicial Police.
The IL leader stated that if Luís Neves provides all the necessary clarifications, the party will conduct a corresponding evaluation, but stressed that the seriousness of the case demands a swift and transparent response.
Demand for Tax Reduction
In addition to the criticism of the Minister of Internal Administration, the Liberal Initiative held a public action this Friday focused on the rising cost of fuels. In Lisbon, at the Clock Roundabout, Mariana Leitão appealed to the Government to implement an IL proposal, which was approved by Parliament in April, regarding the reduction of the Tax on Petroleum and Energy Products (ISP).
This proposal aims to suspend the minimum limits of the ISP, allowing the Executive Branch to reduce this tax without being subject to current legal restrictions. According to Mariana Leitão, although the initiative was approved by the Assembly of the Republic, it has not yet been implemented by the Government. The liberal leader mentioned that the PSD voted against the measure but maintained that Parliament holds sovereignty and that the Executive has an obligation to comply with approved proposals.
The president of the IL also accused the Government of showing little sensitivity to the constant increase in fuel prices, arguing that maintaining unchanged taxation implies continuing to generate revenue at the expense of families' financial efforts.
