Priorities for the next government

In a long text published in this edition of SunriseGouveia and Melo again resort to the press to make known his thinking and political position in the way of advice to the parties, especially PS and PSD, who are preparing to go to vows on May 18.

The Admiral takes advantage of the occasion of the early legislatures to go politically. The political crisis brought extra time to the likely candidate to Bethlehem, who can leave the announcement of the candidacy later. Gouveia and Melo has said that now is the time of the Portuguese to speak out who want to rule and the presidential «Needless noise». Will they? Evaluating the lines that Admiral writes in this edition, the presidential campaign will run along with that of the legislatures.

If in doubt there was, see the conclusion of the text: « I believe that this view for the future of Portugal will find echo in a wide majority of Portuguese and Portuguese, who will soon be to choose a new Assembly of the Republic and the future government, which, under the Constitution of the Republic, will lead the country’s general policy, and the President of the Republic, in the context of their responsibilities and constitutional powers, to ensure the regular functioning of democratic institutions. »

As has repeatedly done in all public interventions, Gouveia and Melo demarcates the arrival, assuming proposals to the center that could be included in social democratic, socialist or liberal programs. It is for the electorate of these three parties that the future presidential candidate wants to talk and are his votes he wants to achieve when, as it seems, he assumes as a presidential candidate.

Remembering that it is essential that parties that have ruled the country bring answers to solve the difficult problems that the country faces, the former head of state of the Armada warns that “The great danger to democracy will be a stagnation that limits ambition and feeds discouragement. Discouragement that, persistent in time and widespread, may become attractive simplistic solutions.

More economy less taxes

With a smell of spinumviva, the not yet assumed presidential candidate explains that only a economy with less strings and not dependent on political power can bring development. «There is a harmful cycle for the economy that must be broken. Companies should not be required to enter the game of influences and proximity to the state apparatus to survive.

Gouveia and Melo advocates the reduction of taxes on people and companies, considering that «Financially strangling people or companies to support a less efficient state will not be a winning solution». The admiral considers that it is possible to « Gradual and widespread reduction of taxes, without compromising the defense of the social state ». To achieve this goal that considers demanding it is necessary « Increased productivity, a profound reform of public administration and attracting national and international investment, with adequate policies, will certainly make a decisive contribution to this end. »

It is necessary « Freeing the economy from friction that limits its growth, » so that « the famous principle of the invisible hand of the economy can play its role. »

Rehabilitation and modular houses

The housing crisis is one of the problems for « The parties that aspire to govern, and have been the guarantee of democracy »must have an answer.

Also here Gouveia and Melo have suggestions. The bet focuses on a revitalization of the « Lease market through a housing recovery program, in partnership with the owners, in a lease favorable and stable to generate sufficient confidence from investors. »

The admiral also argues that it is necessary to increase the offer and in this field suggests « A strong investment in the construction of new housing, in industrialized, modular, innovative production in materials, conception and assembly, which contributes to increasing availability and reducing costs. »

Controlled and selected immigration

This is a chapter in which Gouveia and Melo seems to identify with those that have been the theses of the government of Luis Montenegro.

Defending the good reception and integration of immigrants looking for our country, the admiral stresses that « Tolerance cannot allow intolerance. »

To ensure the balances in society « Integration should avoid marginalization and ghettos creation, regulating immigration according to the ability to welcome, aligned with the national interest. »

Considering that there are risks that should be avoided states that « Low economic value activities that survive the inhuman exploitation of immigrant fragility are not only ethically reprehensible, but will reduce national productivity and will be sources of social and consequently political instability. »

Portugal Atlantic, an opportunity

With references to the dangers and uncertainties of the new international context, Gouveia and Melo chooses to talk about the opportunities that new challenges can bring to the country, moving alongside the most controversial issues.

«Portugal is not only a European country, strict sense, is also a truly Atlantic country. It has unique strategic advantages, such as a vast maritime territory, a central location in the global routes of raw materials, products and data, connected by important submarine cables, proximity to Africa and strong cultural and economic bonds with the Atlantic.

In the defense chapter, Admiral prefers to pass by the controversy about increasing investment in defense that will force governments to make difficult choices, as they will have to withdraw resources from some sectors to make new international demands. Instead Gouveia and Melo prefers to highlight the benefits to the economy that can come from investment in defense industries.

«Empowerment economy as a motor of technological innovation and strategic sovereignty will allow a greater return on investment. Integrate Portugal in the supply chains of the future Pan-Europeia Defense Industry, in sectors of high value added and strong technological component, preferably of double use, will contribute to this return to the economy ».

A politically correct approach that passes along with one of the questions you will surely have to answer when you announce your candidacy: where will you seek resources for a greater defense investment? It is that the resources of the country are scarce and do not stretch, to put more in defense, we must withdraw from any other budget and this is a decision that burns.