Paulo Raimundo says rating increase clashes with difficult life for Portuguese people

In Vila Nova de Famalicão, during the presentation of the CDU candidates to the local government bodies, Paulo Raimundo joked that he even arrived late to the event because of the large demonstrations of contentment he found on the street related to the increase in the rating. "It's an A for increases. Increases in food costs, electricity costs, and hardships for those who work," he said.

On Friday, the financial rating agency Fitch upgraded Portugal's rating from A- to A, with a stable outlook, the Ministry of Finance announced. Fitch cited several reasons for the upgrade, including continued debt reduction, a balanced budgetary position, reduced deficits from 2026 onward, increased exports, and resilient growth.

For the Ministry of Health, "this decision is another achievement for Portugal and recognition of the work being done by the Government, families and businesses, to promote economic growth, ensure the balance of public accounts and the sustained reduction of public debt."

Paulo Raimundo countered that the reality is that the lives of the Portuguese “are worse”, citing as examples the difficulties in accessing the National Health Service, the housing “drama” and the “tight salaries that don’t last until the end of the month”.