The two largest national trade unions came together for the first time in 12 years, to call a general strike, in response to the labor package that the Government intends to implement. So far, in five decades of democracy, only three times have the CGTP and UGT been united in calling for a general strike. The first was in 1988, in full cavaquismo. And the others were in 2011 and 2013, during the Troika intervention. This fact demonstrates the magnitude and relevance of the changes that the Government intends to make, despite the belief expressed by the Prime Minister that, behind this general strike, will be the interests of the PS and the PCP.
Changes in labor law have long been requested by managers and businesspeople who complain about its alleged rigidity. And the Government, even though it is a minority, is taking advantage of the country’s shift to the right to make these changes. In Portugal it is very difficult to fire someone, especially if they have a good lawyer. We all know examples of companies that cannot fire employees who are not – and do not want to be – competent and productive. However, the opposite also happens and there are many examples of companies that do not value or respect their workers. Changing labor laws must be done with common sense and humanity, otherwise social problems will worsen and we will end up with an even more unequal and unfair country.
2. The pre-campaign for the 2026 presidential elections is accelerating and the level seems to be falling, as we enter the countdown to the first debates between candidates.
Luís Marques Mendes has sought, since the beginning of the year, to expose the weaknesses of candidate Gouveia e Melo, starting with his political inexperience and reduced tolerance for criticism. An experienced politician ends up developing a shell that makes him almost immune to certain criticisms and attacks. But the admiral, who has never been a politician, does not yet have this capacity and what we have seen in recent years is proof of this. Saying that Marques Mendes has no “elevation” and plays “petty politics” may bring a few smiles among the admiral’s supporters, but these are disrespectful and unnecessary comments. Likewise, it is not clear what the admiral can gain from attacking Cavaco Silva, former President of the Republic. Gouveia e Melo ends up, once again, firing shots – or “kicks” – at his own electorate.
After all, Cavaco has more in common with Gouveia and Melo, in terms of profile and acting style, than with Marques Mendes, who will be closer to the current tenant of Belém. Anyone who misses Cavaco’s austere and distant style, which many consider to be more dignifying of the presidential judiciary, will be able to see themselves, ten years later, in the figure of the admiral. There is, however, a difference and it is not one of style or ideology, but rather of political experience, as Cavaco expressed in the article that led the admiral to call him Marques Mendes’ “protector”.
Likewise, Gouveia e Melo’s reaction to the news from Lusa, about the reasons that led him to run for office, was excessive and demonstrated low tolerance for journalistic freedom. The interpretation that Lusa made of her words, in the book by DN deputy director, Valentina Marcelino, can be questioned, but it is legitimate. Journalists are not microphone sticks and a President has to know how to live with that. However, Gouveia e Melo is an intelligent man and there is still time to correct these shots by January 18th.
Director of News Diary