PS leader Carneiro slams government’s agricultural diesel aid as unfair
PS secretary-general José Luís Carneiro said the extension of agricultural diesel support benefits the state while burdening ordinary citizens.
Speaking at a book launch in Porto, PS secretary-general José Luís Carneiro condemned the government’s decision to prolong agricultural diesel subsidies, arguing the measure fills the treasury while citizens face hardship. He highlighted unexpected VAT income and higher fuel taxes in recent years as evidence that the state gains financially. Carneiro recounted a conversation with a 78-year-old pensioner named Teresa, who lives on a modest pension and cleaning work but cannot access senior aid, underscoring growing social strain.
He urged the government to stop extracting revenue from struggling families. Regarding the party’s proposal to lower fuel VAT in the next budget, Carneiro said the PS will wait for the October budget presentation. He also noted he has not yet read the OECD PISA results.
