Chega proposes to limit the profit margin on the sale of essential food products to 15% for six months, as the price of food is currently “an assault on the wallets of the Portuguese”.
The party this Monday introduced a bill to the Assembly of the Republic that aims to establish a “maximum limit of 15% on the gross profit margin” on the sale of “essential foodstuffs” to “feed all wholesalers and retailers”. .
Chega proposes that the government determine which foodstuffs can be covered and that the measure be in force for six months, “its application may be extended for an equivalent period if the circumstances giving rise to its effect persist”.
This proposal was presented by the leader of the party, in statements to journalists, in front of a shopping area in Lisbon, in the opinion that the price of food constitutes “an attack on the pockets of the Portuguese” because “the prices are absolutely pornographic compared to citizens’ income.
That is what the president of Chega insisted “most products linked to the food basket have an increase of about 30% in price” or more, but people “didn’t feel an increase in that part of their income”.
“We cannot allow retailers to make a profit of around 200%, while the Portuguese can barely afford their food package”he defended, pointing out that his proposal is such that “regardless of purchase and sale values, the profit can never exceed 15%”.
“The 15% profit margin on essential goods seems balanced to us. We’re not ending profits, we’re not ending business, and we’re protecting people, which is the most important thing right now, because there are a lot of citizens who can’t afford food. save.” on the table”he stressed.
André Ventura stated that “Chega defends the free market and defends that companies should make a profit, they should pay their employees, they should pay for their insurance, their facilities”but noted that this is “an atypical moment”.
The leader of Chega defended that it is necessary to consider “all values in question”, viz “the right of people to the basic food basket and at the same time the right of companies to profit and their economic activity” and find one “balance between prices, but also between the responsibility of the companies themselves”.
André Ventura criticized the government, stating that it “apparently studies, studies, studies and does absolutely nothing” to control food prices.
In addition to this project already in parliament, Chega will also propose to hear the Minister of Agriculture speak to delegates about combating food waste.
Source: DN
