Lisbon, Portugal — Luís Montenegro, the leader of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) and head of the Democratic Alliance (AD), was officially sworn in as Portugal’s new prime minister on Thursday. The 16 ministers of the new cabinet also took their oaths of office, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Portuguese politics.
At the inauguration ceremony, Montenegro pledged to continue serving the country with dedication and vigor. He vowed to “declare war on bureaucracy” and committed to advancing state reforms, maintaining political stability, and boosting social productivity. Emphasizing unity, he highlighted the government’s intention to engage with the opposition to promote dialogue and cooperation.
President’s Remarks on Political Confidence
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa acknowledged the election results, noting the increased political confidence in Montenegro. However, he cautioned that the public had not granted the government “absolute trust.” He pointed out that the influence of traditional parties is waning while new political forces are emerging, a shift that has now reached Portugal.
Streamlining the Cabinet
The new cabinet sees a reduction in the number of ministries from 17 to 16. The Ministry of Economy has been merged with the Ministry of Territorial Cohesion, and the Ministry of Culture has been combined with the former Ministry of Youth and Modernization to form the new Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports.
One of the most notable changes is the creation of a new Ministry for State Reform. Gonçalo Matias has been appointed as both Minister Adjunct to the Prime Minister and Minister for State Reform. This move underscores the government’s focus on modernizing the public administration.
Focus on Modernization and Efficiency
Last week, during the PSD’s national council meeting, Montenegro described the “modernization of public administration” as the cornerstone of the government’s policy agenda. He emphasized that improving efficiency and reducing bureaucracy are key to driving Portugal’s progress.
Swift Transition of Power
The new cabinet was sworn in just 18 days after the election, marking the fastest cabinet formation under President Rebelo de Sousa. This rapid transition reflects the government’s readiness to address the country’s challenges promptly.
Upcoming Parliamentary Vote
Parliament is set to debate and vote on the new government’s program on June 17 and 18. According to the Portuguese Constitution, the government can only fully assume its duties after the program is approved by the Assembly of the Republic.
As Portugal embarks on this new journey, the government’s commitment to reform and collaboration signals a promising path forward for the nation and its people.
