The President of the Republic this Saturday defended the balance in the support package for families that the government will announce in response to inflation, considering that it is necessary to act without delay, but the measures must be adjusted from month to month.
“It is necessary to act urgently, but carefully, because of the observation of economic development,” Marcelo Rebelo de Souza said this Saturday, speaking to reporters during a visit to the Lisbon Book Fair.
Asked about the family support package the executive will announce on Monday, the head of state shielded himself from comments by Bank of Portugal governor Mario Centeno, who on Thursday defended that the measures should not be taken. -cyclical.
“So said the governor of the Bank of Portugal. On the one hand, there must be a shock intervention to compensate for the situation that has developed in recent months and at the moment, and on the other hand, we must follow,” I repeated. it’s inflation. There are those who believe that inflation may decrease from October, November,” he said.
According to Marcelo Rebelo de Souza, the measures to be announced will be aimed at “an immediate shock effect”, but it must be borne in mind that if inflation falls sharply from the end of the year, they “need to be adjusted.”
“There are a number of conditions that may not be repeated during the year. Gross domestic product (GDP) may not grow as much again, the affordability situation may not be as good, and so there must be this balance: to attack a situation in which it is urgent to attack and see the evolution of the economy and inflation itself, to be sure that it is necessary to constantly adjust the measures and the implementation of measures in accordance with the development of the current situation.” .
He also listed direct support for families, support for “certain sectors of the economy that are more sensitive to rising energy prices”, “support for the most needy sectors” and “some things” as measures that were targeted and did not have a permanent impact. for the middle class.”
But he warned: “Without such wide-ranging shocks, so wide that in their duration they could have excessive costs not now, but in a few months.”
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa also felt that “measures could have been taken a little earlier”, but acknowledged that “all over Europe they are being announced now.”
He also stressed that the impact of rising energy prices and inflation is particularly affecting the middle class.
“Obviously, energy affects everyone, but the middle class in particular and other costs of inflation affect the middle class, namely shrinking the middle class, devastating the middle class. In all European countries, this is a concern,” he said.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
