The prime minister believed on Tuesday that the government had won a first victory by putting the housing issue at the center of the political debate and promised openness in parliament to the opposition to ensure that a good law is passed.
This point of view was expressed by António Costa in the speech he delivered at the closing session of the PS parliamentary days, which took place in Tomar, in the Santarém district.
Speaking to the Socialist deputies, António Costa pointed out that already on Thursday the Council of Ministers will approve the final version of the “Program + Housing” in which, in addition to some matters that can be regulated by decree, there is another set of proposals that will be forwarded to the Assembly of the Republic, as these are the exclusive competence of the parliament.
“This was a debate that we launched on February 16, it was very lively with many and diverse contributions, which makes sense, because the housing issue is central to the life of our society. There are clearly conflicting interests and it does not always succeed to reconcile all these interests”, noticed.
For António Costa, however, it was essential that “a central problem for the life of the Portuguese” be placed at the center of the political debate.
“For this reason, the first victory we have won is to put the political debate on housing at the center of the debate. Today, no one can be left out of this debate,” he pleaded.
In this regard, the Prime Minister stressed that the government is ready to extend the period of public debate, in view of more contributions, more suggestions and more criticism.
“With the same spirit of openness, we are going to hold this debate in the Assembly of the Republic, not only around our initiatives, but also the initiatives of the opposition parties and which the PS has abstained – very well – to allow it to go through to the specialism. With everyone’s input, we want an excellent housing law,” the party leader emphasized.
At this point, António Costa emphasized the powers of the Assemblée de la Republica, which from the outset was central to matters such as taxation and tax benefits.
“As shown by the Constitution, there are matters of city rent that are reserved for the Assembly of the Republic. Where everything that needs to change will change through the debate and approval that will be made in the Assembly of the Republic” , he added .
Source: DN
