The Finance Minister stated that he does not foresee any challenge regarding the increase in higher education tuition fees. Concerning the Health budget, he acknowledged the possibility of needing another capital injection this year but assured that starting in 2027, the sector will receive payments within the established timeframe, i.e., within 60 days.
The minister justified the budgetary cut in Health by the need to reinforce funds in the previous year to settle payments to suppliers. This situation should not occur next year, as the sector will comply with the 60-day rule, in line with European directives.
During the interview, Miranda Sarmento mentioned REN dividends, although he did not provide specific figures. He recalled that the State will be present at the REN General Assembly scheduled for May next year. The minister classified the entry into the company's capital as a good deal but stressed that this was not the primary factor; the main motivation was that Portugal is one of the few European countries without participation in such companies, which became crucial given geopolitical changes impacting the energy sector.
Regarding GALP, the Finance Minister guaranteed that the Government is in dialogue with both companies to preserve the GALP refinery as a national strategic asset. Concerning the entry into BCP's capital, Miranda Sarmento declared that it was not an issue presented to him, referring to it as a 'complete surprise.'
Miranda Sarmento revealed to Antena 1 and Jornal de Negócios that he learned about the Socialist Party's (PS) intention to enable the State Budget (OE) only when the socialist Secretary-General, José Luís Carneiro, addressed the topic in an interview.
In the program Conversa Capital, the Minister praised the responsible stance of the PS, expressing hope that it will be maintained. He argued that it would be 'inexplicable and irresponsible' for the country to face a deficit due to negative coalitions between PS and Chega, especially since the four conditions required by the PS were met.
Despite being questioned by Antena 1 and Jornal de Negócios, the minister did not specify whether he would be willing to govern with a budget that showed a deficit. Regarding the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), he highlighted that all projects from the PRR were approved by Council of Ministers resolutions, thus being adequately framed.
Concerning the Portugal Transformation, Recovery and Resilience (PTRR), Joaquim Miranda Sarmento pointed out that the State Budget includes a table with 267 million euros allocated for reconstruction, which he found to be 'a bit rushed' in the PS's statements. Although he admits inflation as a problem, he does not believe the Government's projection will change and promised to adjust the Executive's action according to circumstances. It was decided that zero VAT on essential goods will not be implemented.
In this interview, the minister also indicated that he awaits an upward revision of nominal GDP, an estimate that will be updated by INE in March next year, which could affect public debt. Regarding the possibility of including debt limits in a future constitutional review, Joaquim Miranda Sarmento expressed disapproval of such a change in the constitutional context, defending rigidity and the lack of freedom of those who govern.
As for the data supporting Mário Centeno's criticisms of the State Budget, the Finance Minister rebutted, stating that it is up to the former government to better detail the figures he presented. The interview was conducted by Rosário Lira of Antena 1 and Paulo Ribeiro Pinto of Jornal de Negócios.
