The municipal deputy of Braga João Baptista accused, on Saturday night, at the PCP's Christmas dinner, the deputies of the PSD, PS, Chega and IL, elected by Braga, of “forgetting the commitments made to the population”, pointing out the cases of Braga-Guimarães railway connection, the construction of a new surgical wing at Braga Hospital, the new inter-regional and intermodal pass, and the completion of the Variante do Cávado”.
The elected member of the CDU in the Municipality also addressed what he called an attempt at a “secretariat veto” that is taking place “in the process of replacing extinct parishes in the municipality of Braga, contrary to the will of the population and municipal bodies”.
“These demands, which have been approved at local level by those parties, are then rejected in the Assembly of the Republic, as happened this week with the disapproval of the respective proposals presented by the PCP Parliamentary Group”, he lamented.
Around 300 activists and friends of the PCP and CDU were present at the traditional Supper of the Braga Regional Organization of the PCP. The initiative also included interventions by João Oliveira, member of the Political Committee of the Central Committee of the PCP and member of the European Parliament, and by Inês Rodrigues, from the JCP National Directorate.
João Oliveira regrets the 5% increase in pensions
Closing the event, João Oliveira recalled “the worsening of the war, with genocide in Palestine, and the escalation in Ukraine with the risk of direct confrontation between nuclear powers, also resulting from the decision of the European Parliament and the governments of the countries that make up the EU to fuel this escalation.”
The MEP also highlighted the global and national economic situation, “marked by the worsening of inequalities and injustices, poverty and social exclusion”.
He highlighted that “people know that salaries and pensions are low and that life is difficult. This Friday, while workers at the door of the Assembly of the Republic demanded wages, rights, respect, careers and professions, the State Budget was approved in the hemicycle. A Budget that should respond to the needs of workers and the people, those who create wealth and make the country and the economy work”.
He continued, arguing that “dignity should be guaranteed to those who have worked their entire lives. The approved Budget does not serve this social majority but rather the small minority of explorers and economic groups”.
He also recalled that, “PSD, CDS and PS failed to increase pensions by 5%, at least 70 euros, for more than two million retirees and pensioners, but approved the delivery of 1800 million euros in tax benefits to a handful of companies.”
And, he also highlighted: “They failed access to retirement without penalties after 40 years of work and discounts, but they don't even blink at continuing with criminal privatizations and the handover of companies. They failed the reduction in bank payments and rents as well as the reinforcement of the public housing supply but approved 1700 million euros in benefits for non-habitual residents.
And, furthermore: “Not only did they fail the employment of precarious workers in the public administration, and the increase in meal subsidies, they also enshrined the rule of not even one more worker to reinforce public services”.
JCP holds congress in May
On the occasion, Inês Rodrigues “welcomed the struggle of young students and workers” and revealed that the JCP Congress will take place on the 17th and 18th of May, under the motto “In our hands the new world”, which shows that youth have a Party and are organized, with strength and courage, to intervene in today's world”.
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